30 Most Effective Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Moths Forever
The presence of moths in an apartment and house is reflected in the appearance of things, the quality of food. Among the remedies for moths, one should choose those that are suitable for a particular type of insect. It is necessary to get rid not only of adults, but also to destroy laying larvae.
Signs of a butterfly in the house
You can determine how a butterfly looks in an apartment by:
- the formation of furless islands on an expensive fur coat;
- small holes in the fabrics;
- small cutworms in cereals, flour;
- lays in the corners of the cabinet, on the furniture.
The eaters of things, of food are the larvae, which need food to develop.If the place where moth eggs are laid is not eliminated, the larvae will hatch more, and it will be very difficult to save a fur coat, books and other household items from their gluttony.
The main types of moths
There are several types of house moths. And the butterfly looks different depending on its food, habitat in the house.
Moth
The most popular type of moth in the world lives in the closets where the belongings of the owners of the house are located. Adults are moths with a wingspan of 12 to 18 millimeters. Transparent wings are evenly colored in a light yellow shade. The forelegs are narrow with a shiny gray and feathering.
The female lays hundreds of white eggs per season, from which a larva appears, similar to a grayish worm up to 7 millimeters in length.
The larvae of the clothes parasite feed on ceramides in natural fabrics. They prefer to settle in tweed suits, mohair sweaters, making movements inside the fabrics. It is easy to spot them from inside the garment. The pest is active at night. And since it is always dark in the cupboards, the environment is conducive to the reproduction of the insect. The full development period of clothes moth is 2-4 weeks.
The food moth
A food parasite starts in the kitchen. If the cereals are in bags, the butterfly goes there, laying eggs. An adult butterfly has brownish or gray wings with light spots. Eggs deposited in bulk products, dried fruits, nuts are visible to the naked eye. Then whitish larvae appear in the bags. Butterfly caterpillars devour food, leaving excrement inside. You cannot eat contaminated cereals or flour.
The parasite likes to install itself:
- under the shell of a nut;
- in dried fruits;
- in the bread box;
- indoor cereals, pasta;
- in flour;
- in ground spices.
Sometimes the pest is even found in garlic.
The cereal moth
One of the varieties of food moths is cereal. She can live only in cereals, bypassing other food products. It is difficult to spot a greyish butterfly. She flies at night. Sometimes they notice her during the day, but she moves so fast, darting from side to side, that it's hard to catch her. The pest is able to infect all cereals in the closet in a short time. If you do not catch up in time, you will have to throw away bulk products contaminated with eggs, waste from the larvae.
Fur coat
A dangerous pest prefers to feed on fur, felt. The wingspan of a butterfly is 10 to 16 millimeters. The forelimbs are golden in color with brown spots or dots. The front edge of the wings is covered with a slight fringe. The fringe of the hindwings is darker.
Elongated oval eggs are light gray, large. The fertility of a female butterfly can reach 120 eggs. From them, larvae appear, which build a cover from the threads of the lining of the fur coat. In the spring, caterpillar worms pupate. Until then, they harm fur products.
Furniture
Previously, this type of butterfly was classified as a moth, but over time it has become differentiated. The butterfly has long, narrow wings. Their color varies from dark to light golden with a reddish tint. During the day, butterflies hide in dark corners and fly away at night. The female lays yellowish eggs. The higher the air temperature, the faster the eggs develop. The development of caterpillars also depends on the air temperature in the apartment. The larvae prefer dry, dark places. They belong to the group of keratophages. Moths can damage upholstery and book bindings.
Of wool
A type of furniture moth is a small moth with light yellow wings, a wingspan of 9 to 14 millimeters. Egg clutches can be found in woolen items. Then the larvae with a brownish head and a white body appear in the closet on the 6th day after laying eggs.
Butterflies can be seen in autumn, when they emerge from the pupae. The adults do not feed on keratids and the sedentary larvae are gluttonous. Their molar covers and droppings end up in the folds of shawls and sweaters.
Grain
Grain storage pests can live in warehouses. The butterfly has a body length of 9 millimeters and a narrow lanceolate wingspan of up to 11-19. On the forewings, yellowish-gray, 2 black spots are determined. The hindwings are painted in light gray tones of a bronze tint; fringes are visible along the edges. It is difficult to distinguish the color of a butterfly from the color of grains of wheat.
For a short duration of 1-2 weeks, the grain moth lays eggs in heaps. The fecundity of the female is 150-200 milky-white oval eggs. The caterpillars of the pest are born yellow-orange, then change color to milky white. By gnawing the seed coat, they get inside, where they feed on the albumen. Inside the shell of a grain, 1 half can be occupied by a caterpillar, and the other half by its excrement. The pupation takes place there.Over the summer in barns, moths give 3-4 generations of pests.
Why is a mole dangerous?
Damage caused by a mole in the home is related to the following damage:
- wool and wool products;
- fur objects;
- books;
- furniture upholstery;
- stocks of crackers, cereals and flours;
- walnut harvest;
- dried fruits.
Things and foodstuffs deteriorate. You have to get rid of it. A grain moth destroys grain reserves by 40% if the pest is not destroyed in time. Adults do not feed, but they carry pathogenic organisms on their feet, infecting food. If a mole appears, you should take all measures to get rid of it.
Causes of the appearance of moths
Where does the harmful insect in our homes come from, you need to know in order to take preventive measures. Most often a butterfly flies through open vents, windows. If the conditions at home are favorable for its reproduction, the butterfly is taken to secluded corners and lays eggs.Another way for insects to enter is through ventilation odors, cracks in windows. Butterfly eggs are brought with the products shared by parents and grandmothers. Parasite eggs are carried by pets. When giving an adult cat a dog, you need to carefully examine the coat. Indeed, in addition to fleas, ticks, you can find moth eggs.
The parasite settles for a long time if:
- The wardrobe keeps things unwashed and smelling of sweat.
- The shoes are randomly folded, not dry.
- The rooms are poorly ventilated, hot and stuffy.
- Bulk products are stored in cellophane and linen bags for a long time.
- They rarely clean the cabinets from dirt and dust, do not ventilate them and dry clothes.
When a flying pest breaks out, you must get rid of it as soon as it is discovered.
Control methods
You should fight with moths, not save time and money. But even the most effective remedy will not help destroy the insect if there is a mess in the closets and the clothes and shoes are not properly cared for.
Chemical products
Chemical control methods are the most effective, so they are more often chosen by consumers. A popular medicine for all types of domestic insects is "Dichlorvos". It is used in kill the flies, mosquitoes, ticks, cockroaches. It will also help get rid of moths. But there are other effective pesticides made using the latest technology.
Aerosol
This method of treating premises against various types of pests is based on spraying the smallest particles of insecticide. Prepare a solution for aerosols using hot and cold fog generators. The working solution is ground to the state of aerosol particles. Usually they take poisons dissolved in trihydric alcohols or diesel fuel.
It is convenient to fight moths with aerosol insecticides, but before that you need to clean the room or closet from household objects and items. It is necessary to carry out wet cleaning, cleaning the house.
Mosquito
The best tool was developed by workers from the Pest Control Research Institute and Moscow State University. The production of the insecticide is controlled by the Swiss laboratory for protective equipment.
The drug is used to kill moths at all stages of development, as well as for prophylactic purposes.The main substance, as a carrier of the poison, permethrin is dissolved in isopropyl alcohol. The aerosol differs:
- 100% destruction of the pest;
- low toxicity to humans and pets;
- pleasant scent of lavender;
- duration of action.
After processing furniture, clothes, the spray does not leave streaks. Shake can before spraying moth habitats. Irrigate damaged items until wet, holding bottle at arm's length. The procedure for processing the interior surfaces of cabinets, drawers and suitcases takes 2-4 seconds.
After disinsection, they leave the dwelling and return after 30-40 minutes for ventilation.
"Armol"
The spray has a destructive effect on butterflies, larvae, eggs of parasites. After treatment, the moth should only be etched after it appears after 1-2 years. For such a long time the medicine protects the house from the pest. All things affected by moth larvae on both sides are sprayed with a balloon. The tool helps to cope with moths from furniture, food and clothes. The components of the pesticide act delicately, gently, without damaging the structure of tissues, without leaving stains and odors. It is best to spray with the windows open.
"Extract"
It is better to destroy the pest with instant medicine than other means. Keratophages die after processing cabinets with outerwear, upholstered furniture, carpets. They use poison in warehouses, museums, workshops, archives, libraries. The drug belongs to the 3rd class for toxicity. At the heart of its poison, permethrin is combined with a hydrocarbon repellent.
Pesticide particles penetrate inside insects, their larvae, having a neuroparalytic effect.
The advantage of using aerosols is their safety for humans, animals and fish. But for the time of pest control, it is better to remove aquariums, remove cats and dogs, take out children and adults. After spraying, ventilate after half an hour.
Anti-mole Stop mole
Remedy against flying insects, their larvae are an insecticide spray, packaged in 125 milliliter aluminum cans. The particles of the solution act destructively, penetrating through the respiratory and digestive systems, the chitinous cover of the moth. Attaching to the walls of furniture, the inner surface of cabinets, the pesticide protects the house from the appearance of a pest in the future. They are able to kill moths long after being sprayed with an aerosol.
Fumigator
Medicines are designed to kill the pest at all stages of its development. By absorbing the toxic chemical through the respiratory system, the parasites die. The advantage of this method is the ability to destroy moths and their larvae in hard-to-reach places. Fumigation is carried out on the basis of preparations containing gaseous phosphine. In this case, it is necessary that the temperature in the premises be between 15 and 18 degrees.
Raid
For fumigation against moths, the drug is ideal. It works on plates and slurry. The fumigant's toxicity to humans is low. But it is not recommended to breathe toxic fumes for a long time.It is necessary to turn on the fumigator by opening the doors of the cabinets in order to influence the butterfly hiding in the dark corners of the cabinet.
Maskall
Fumigators, powered by electricity, heat a plate soaked in pesticides. Liquid works on the same principle. Its vapors are harmful to moths and mosquitoes. It is necessary to turn on the device for several hours, taking a break from its work. For the duration of the action of toxic vapors, it is necessary to remove pets and an aquarium with fish from the premises.
"Raptors"
The drug acts like all fumigators. It is enough to connect the device to the network for 10-15 minutes and the butterflies will begin to die. The liquid contains a pesticide as well as a solvent, an evaporator. The liquid belongs to the 3rd class of toxicity. The toxic chemical is effective against flying insects in the house.
"Cock-3"
It is necessary to use a fumigator of this brand in the same way as the others. Before treating the house, it is necessary to remove children, pregnant women. The fish must be removed from the aquarium. It is worth activating a fast-acting agent for several hours a day. It is necessary to closely monitor the behavior of the moth. If the insect continues to multiply, it is better to repeat the inclusion of the fumigator.
Pheromone traps
If you can fight with clothes, wool moths with aerosols, then the traps are better for food species. Pheromone devices work by attracting insects with their favorite scents. Set traps on kitchen cabinets. Butterflies fly there, larvae crawl there and die. Inside the surface, the traps are covered with a special glue or impregnated with an effective insecticide.
"Raptors"
The effectiveness of the anti-moth agent is:
- human health safety;
- ease of use;
- 100% protection of food products against the parasite;
- duration of action.
Within 3 months, the pests enter the trap. So they get rid of it completely.
Aeroxon
Glue bait is purchased to control food moths. Female type pheromones attract male pests. Hence the interruption of insect mating. The female will not be able to lay eggs, the life cycle of the butterfly is interrupted.
The trap is fixed with the sticky side on the surface of the kitchen cabinet, leaving it for a long time until the insect gets rid of it.
Globol
The bait contains only substances similar to the smell of a female by pheromones. The males fall on the tape and die. The device does not contain toxic substances, it is completely safe for food, humans. Glue the devices to the cabinets. After 2 months, the trap must be replaced with a new one if the insect continues to parasitize the house.
Plaque
Plates impregnated with insecticide solutions are produced. They are inserted into fumigators or set on fire. When burning, harmful insects are expelled from the apartment with smoke.
"Clean House"
Under this brand, various forms of moth insecticides are produced. Plates are used by inserting them into the fumigator. They act safely and gently, without causing allergic reactions. Butterflies die slowly under the influence of an insecticide.
"Raptors"
Long life plates are suitable for fumigators. The effectiveness of the insecticidal form has been proven. It is necessary to use plates, spirals only in the open air if they are heated as a result of lighting with matches.
Maskall
Sections of this mark help against moths and their larvae. But it is better to use in addition other means in the form of aerosols, solutions. Then it will be possible to completely destroy the pest.
Pencils
One of the simple and inexpensive methods of struggle is used when single specimens of butterflies are found in an apartment. Dust is applied in wide stripes on the doors of cabinets, chests of drawers, along the seams of upholstered furniture. The procedure is carried out with gloves, after which the hands are thoroughly washed with soap under running water.
Thermal treatment
The optimum air temperature at which the development cycle of lepidopteran butterflies passes is considered to be from 12 to 25 degrees. Moth larvae and eggs are able to withstand low temperatures. Therefore, the pest can be eliminated by the action of hot steam. Iron the items on the back of the garment with a steam iron. It is therefore faster to treat the spawning of the parasite.
Ultraviolet irradiation
The action of the sun's rays on a mole is destructive. Indeed, therefore, insects hide in dark corners, where ultraviolet light does not penetrate. The larvae and eggs of moths are destroyed with quartz or ultraviolet lamps. They process the clothes, then the surfaces inside the wardrobe.
Folk remedies
Since moths have been adjacent to humans since ancient times, various methods of dealing with butterflies and caterpillars have been invented and tested. The smell of certain plants helps repel the parasite. Household chemicals are also used.
tansy
Tansy flowers are harvested in summer. The grass hangs in bundles in the kitchen.You can put the dried inflorescences in linen bags and lay them out on the shelves of the cabinet. The scent of tansy repels insects, but does not kill them.
Wormwood herb
The strong bitter smell of wormwood effectively affects insects in the apartment. They leave a person's dwelling. Butterflies won't fly through the window if the smell of absinthe comes from there.
Lavender
Lavender flowers have a wonderful repellent effect. The bag of dried herbs can be placed in the dressing room. It is good to keep sachets of lavender in the kitchen.
mint
Sprigs of mint diffuse the fragrance throughout the apartment. It is worth putting bags of dried grass next to a fur coat stored on a hanger, inside blankets and woolen clothes. The butterfly will never settle where it smells of mint.
Orange peel
Citrus peels do not need to be discarded. Fresh, they diffuse the fragrance throughout the house. Lepidoptera do not like this smell. If a gray butterfly starts, it will quickly leave the apartment.
Caucasian chamomile
Caucasian dried chamomile flowers have a strong smell. Inside the plant is the poisonous substance pyrethrum, which is used against many household insect pests. But it is safe for humans. Chamomile powder is poured into the hidden corners of the cabinet to destroy the moth, its larvae.
Geranium
Geranium has a deterrent effect. Flowerpots often help with home pests and plants. Scares away the aroma of a flower and moths. A butterfly is unlikely to fly into a house where geraniums bloom on the windowsills. Therefore, it is necessary to use a flower to protect against insects.
horse chestnut
When the chestnut trees bloom, white candles are collected. They are ground into powder, placed in bags. Chestnuts are also arranged on shelves. They will protect clothes and food from moths all year round.
Vinegar and garlic
Vinegar is used to wipe surfaces inside cabinets during cleaning. Stored on the walls and doors of furniture, the substance will protect the house from pests. Garlic has a strong smell, which will also help scare away the butterfly. It is best to lay out the cloves in the kitchen. You can make porridge from it, lubricating the hidden corners where the moth begins. But in the wardrobe, the smell of garlic will permeate the clothes.
flavored tobacco
Tobacco flowers have a pronounced aroma, which allows the plant to be used in the fight against pests. Plants are dried and filled with pads, bags. They are suitable for unfolding on shelves in all rooms of the house.
fragrant herbs
Many human-friendly plants do not tolerate flying insects. They do not like the aroma of eucalyptus, strawberries, pine needles, citrus fruits. Instead of a sachet, you can put soap with a corresponding smell in the cabinet.
Essential oils
They use aromatic oils in the fight against insects. They are filled with special lamps to refresh the air. Cotton swabs moistened with 1-2 drops of eucalyptus, clove, lavender, and fir oils can help protect your home from pests.
Naphthalene
Mothballs are still in demand today for moth control. But if earlier clothes were impregnated with the smell of gunpowder, now perfumes are added to the preparation.
burnt honey
A mole leaves the apartment if it smells of honey heated on fire.If the product is slightly overheated above the norm, the pests will fly out of the house.
How to get rid of moth eggs and larvae
Since the things suffer from the gluttony of the larvae, and not the adults, the first thing to do is to destroy them:
- washing clothes after prolonged wear;
- giving a fur coat, a sheepskin coat to the dry cleaners;
- disinfect woolen and fur items under a quartz lamp;
- iron outerwear with a steam iron;
- by placing clothes infested with larvae in the freezer.
If butterflies are inside, then you need to shake out all the clothes in the closet, air dry them. Put sachets of fragrant herbs on the shelves.
Prophylaxis
It is necessary to prevent the appearance of moths in the apartment by folding and hanging clothes in the closet in their pure form. When putting shoes in boxes, remove the insoles.
It is best to hang fur coats separately from other clothes. Before cleaning, they should be dried and ventilated in fresh air.
Store cereals and flour in sealed containers. You should look there more often. If worms appear, discard the cereal. Rinse and dry containers. It is better to buy products in bulk in stores, and not by hand. The moth lays eggs in the nuts. Therefore, you don't need to store them for a long time. It is better to buy fresh rather than expired food. It is impossible for the room to have high humidity. So the butterfly will definitely start. If the food is sorted often, the pests will not start.
You can put cigarettes in the pockets of winter clothes, their smell will help to avoid the attack of the butterfly.Fragrant herbs and orange zest are stored in the cupboards. These herbal remedies will be reliable protection against moths in the house. You can put dried orange peels in bowls by mixing them with pepper. To protect blankets, moth blankets, bay leaves wrapped in gauze are used.