Moths feel comfortable where we don't want them: among other things, between our favorite pieces in the wardrobe. Simple tricks are designed to help fight them.
Kassel – Is it a coincidence that the word "moth" is in clothes? Originally, the term was used for bricks of a broken wall, later figuratively for worthless objects. However, the exact origin and cause of use as a synonym for clothing is unknown.
Lavender scent and other home remedies help against moths. © IMAGO/Michael Gstettenbauer
The moth cover would not be far-fetched, after all, these insects feel very much at home there. Here's how to prevent moths from biting their way through your clothes and sweaters.
Eaten sweaters, dresses and the like - with these tricks you can keep moths away
Perhaps you have already had the annoying experience of disposing of a beloved piece of clothing because moths, or more precisely – their rough offspring – have eaten holes in it. It usually does not stop at an isolated case: Once moths have nested, plenty of offspring can be expected. According to the Federal Environment Agency (UBA), moths lay up to 250 eggs. The following tricks can help against moths and their larvae:
- Clothing with wool content should be cleaned when not in use and, for example, packed in garment bags.
- Clothes should be knocked out regularly, aired in the sun and, if possible, washed at over 50 degrees after wearing.
- Clothes that have not been washed so hot should be frozen for four weeks.
- Deterrent scents can help: bay leaves, lavender, cloves, cedarwood, peppermint, patchuli or thuja. Scented sachets can be purchased in drugstores, among other places.
- Cabinets made of cedar wood should be regularly processed with emery paper.
- The wardrobe should be thoroughly cleaned and vacuumed. Especially recommended: vinegar cleaner. Even regular rearranging quickly becomes uncomfortable for moths.
- Sources: UBA, BR24
Many people first try fly swatting in the case of a moth plague, but this attempt to eliminate it is not effective. The insects nest in narrow gaps and multiply quickly and in large numbers. According to BR24, it is particularly effective to hang clothes in the sun and wrap them in black foil. Moths and their eggs die within a few hours.
Also a problem: how can we fight moths in the kitchen?
But not only our sweaters and clothes, but also food attracts moths. In the case of a moth infestation in the kitchen, some of the tips listed above, such as thorough washing and cleaning as well as deterrent scents, also apply. In addition, to combat food moths, you can try:
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- Opened food should be stored in plastic boxes.
- Infested food with sticky threads and opened food without additional packaging should be sorted out.
- Tea bags should be checked regularly for infestation and holes should be taped off.
- Sources: UBA, servus.com
If you become aware of a moth infestation, you should act quickly and eliminate affected food. According to the UBA, consumption can lead to allergies, skin or gastrointestinal diseases. By the way: in addition to moths, cockroaches and cockroaches also like to move into living areas. You can also get rid of this with home remedies.
Here's what you can do if moths are especially persistent in the kitchen
In addition to the home remedies presented, moth traps can also be helpful. The attractant pheromone attracts moth males, which can stop the offspring in the medium to long term. In addition, predators can be brought into the house by pests. In the case of moths, we are talking about ichneumon wasps that can be bought in card form and glued into cabinets. In the event of a serious moth infestation, it is hopeless to call an exterminator for pest control. (Felina Wellner)
