How do I get rid of clothes moths naturally?

Carol G
by Carol G
recently I have been infested with cloths moths in my jewelry and computer room. I have never had this before. I have tried moth balls and vinegar but nothing helps. they go away for a few days and come back .

  9 answers
  • Lavender and "fresh" rosemary and mint leaves, can be found in some grocery stores in the fresh herb section. Cedar blocks too. Home Goods is where I have picked them up reasonably. If closets are damp, get a dehumidifier.


    https://www.thebalance.com/get-rid-of-moths-1388158




  • Terra Gazelle Terra Gazelle on Mar 31, 2018

    Blocks of cedar hung in the closet in a mesh bag or cut panty hose.

    Cedar wardrobes were used to store woolen clothes. I have one and have it in my storage building for winter wear.

  • Mogie Mogie on Mar 31, 2018


    • Shake It Off – One quick way to dislodge any active larvae or moths is to simply shake the suspect garment vigorously. They will fall to the floor where they can be quickly vacuumed.
    • In some cases, tiny tubes clinging to suspect material. These are the “cases” that casemaking clothes moth larvae create and live inside.
    • Launder All Clothes – To eliminate most of the larvae and moths lingering in your home, put all your clothes through the laundry on high heat. Those high temperatures will kill any moths and their young.
    • Freeze Fabric – Some fabric simply cannot be washed. For those items, you can seal them in a plastic bag and put them in a freezer for about 12 hours. The intensely cold temperatures will kill eggs, larvae and moths. If your infestation occurs during a cold snap, you may even be able to take large items outside to eliminate the moths and their larvae.
    • Vacuum Your Storage Areas – Before you put any clothes or fabrics back into their normal storage areas – including closets, drawers, chests and bureaus – thoroughly vacuum out these areas and pay special attention to any crevices or dusty areas where eggs and larvae may be accumulating. The cleaner you make it, the less likely the infestation will return. Once done vacuuming, take your machine outside, remove the vacuum bag, seal it in a plastic bag and throw it in the trash. Remember, larvae can survive on dust, so get the vacuum debris out of your house!.

    Reconsider Mothballs and Cedar Balls – Both mothballs and cedar balls can repel or even kill moths. Each has its own problems though. For mothballs to work effectively, they must be sealed in a container with the infested fabrics. This tends to make the fabrics take on the mothball smell. Cedar balls, on the other hand, need to be “refreshed” frequently, and that means you have to scratch them up with sand paper. Doing so reactivates their scent.

  • Hog3275625 Hog3275625 on Mar 31, 2018

    I have the same problem. I read moths come in from open doors and windows so be careful. They are a bugger to get out once in the house. My husband bought the eliminator Pantry Moth trap at Walmart. It's very good, safe effective and non-toxic. The trap lures male moths by scent. We also try to kill the moths. This is the 2nd year and the moths have decreased dramatically. The side of the box said the traps are safe in food-handling and food storage areas. If you don't use something, the moths are in your house and will multiply and come back every year. Good Luck!

  • M. M.. M. M.. on Mar 31, 2018

    The traps are the best money I have ever spent! If you see the moths on the ceiling, I have stuffed a rag into the end of a gift wrap cardboard tube and smacked them against the ceiling. The rag can also remove the dusty smear they can leave behind.

  • Mairi Flanders Mairi Flanders on Mar 31, 2018

    try those little packets that you find in everything you purchas knowadays, those little white almost like a teabag. The keep out moisture and stop things laying eggs

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Mar 31, 2018

    Don't keep clothes in dark places or use clear plastic covers over each item.....But if you have them already, you can only use a moth spray for fast action, I think.........

  • Nancy Turner Nancy Turner on Mar 31, 2018

    It sounds like they are breeding somewhere and going through the life cycles. I would try the traps in the rooms or areas you see them the most.