How to Get Rid of Moths

The weather has warmed up, the flowers are well and truly out and unfortunately, so are the moths. They usually start breeding from May onwards, which is not good news for your clothes and carpets.

Moths may be small but the damage they inflict can be huge: their eggs and larvae can eat through treasured garments, furniture and even whole areas of carpet – not to mention your bank balance when things get out of hand. Calling out a specialist can be costly!

But before you start worrying about a potential moth invasion, there are some simple steps you can take to avoid forking out for a specialist. Here at Robert Dyas we have solutions for every problem, whether you already have moths eating your clothes and carpets, or simply want to prevent the pests from causing damage in the first place. Read on and find out not only how to get rid of moths, but how to keep them at bay too. 

How to get rid of clothes moths

Beat them with heat

Wash all infested clothes and fabrics on a high temperature and put them through a hot drying cycle if possible. If your clothes aren’t suitable for the dryer, putting them in the freezer for a few days will kill off any eggs that may still be around. Make sure you wash all garments before putting them away – especially those made from natural fibres – as moths are mostly attracted to human sweat, hair and body oil. To give your wardrobes extra protection, use an Acana Clothes Moth Killer and Freshener, which works for up to six months.

Oust them with cedarwood

Cedarwood naturally repels moths so hanging some in your wardrobe will work wonders. ZERO IN Cedarwood Moth Repeller Rings can be hung on your coat hangers to deter moths from eating your clothes, and ZERO IN Cedarwood Clothes Moth Repeller Balls can be placed in garment pockets or in drawers. Completely natural, they have a long-lasting fragrance which can be refreshed by rubbing them with some fine-grain sandpaper. They also offer the added bonus of preventing the build-up of mustiness and mildew, so it’s a win-win.

Get storage-savvy

If they can’t get to your fabrics, they can’t tuck in: Plastic storage containers are a great alternative to easily-munched-through cardboard boxes. Airtight bags are ideal for items you don’t use much, while the Really Useful Underbed Storage Box is great for everyday stackable storage.

How to get rid of carpet moths

Keep carpets fresh

Moths lay eggs in carpets as well as in your cupboards, so regular hoovering will help. To tackle eggs buried in carpets and rugs, use a high-suction-power vacuum that’ll suck up even the most microscopic of particles for an extra-thorough clean. Alongside regular vacuuming you could lay down an Acana Carpet Moth Trap to alert you to any infestations, so you can get rid of moths before they do any real damage. 

Extra tips on tackling and preventing moth infestations

Check ‘End of Life’ indicators

To stay one step ahead of the garment-guzzlers, opt for products with a visual ‘End of Life’ indicator so you can see at a glance when they need replacing. Acana do a great range which includes products like these Moth Killer and Freshener Sachets. You could also invest in an Acana Moth Trap which attracts and captures moths for up to eight weeks to alert you of an infestation, so you can start tackling the eggs and larvae that cause the real damage.

Act fast

If your home is already infested, take instant action by treating the affected areas with a spray. Rentokil Clothes Moth Killer Spray targets the problem instantly. As it’s the larvae that cause the damage rather than the moths, keep an eye out for webbing and cocoons in your cupboards so you know which areas to treat.