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Around the 1920s, scientists started paying attention to the effect of cedar on fiber-eating insects, like moths and carpet beetles. The species of tree that produces cedar wood and oil is known as Cedrus atlantica. In the oils of Cedrus atlantica are chemicals—sesquiterpene hydrocarbons—that give off a resinous, camphor-like scent. With up to 70 percent of the oils in cedar wood containing these potent compounds, it is believed that is the reason most cedar species are insect-repellent. Herbs – Several fragrant herbs repel moths, including rosemary, thyme, cloves, lavender and bay leaves. Place the herbs in a small bag in cupboards or spray the essential oil into high-risk areas. However, over time, the cedar is going to lose its natural oils. An antique cedar chest is going to be far less effective at repelling moths than a new chest. Larvae and pupae won’t be affected by the oil if they are already inside the chest. Clean all cupboards and wardrobes with a vinegar and water solution – Vinegar is a natural cleansing agent and the acid is not tolerable for moths. Be careful here when cleaning antiques. Sure, they’re annoying and they can eat up your clothes and dry foods, but for the most part, they don’t carry any diseases or typically cause any reactions in those who have allergies to other indoor insects like dust mites or silverfish.
Freeze any clothes or belongings that show signs of moths. Keep these items in the freezer for at least 24 hours to make sure any larvae are killed off. What are some alternatives to cedar that will work equally as well? While mothballs were once a popular remedy to moth infestations, they are far less so these days. The reason is that mothballs contain a synthetic chemical that is highly dangerous for humans and animals when inhaled. The pure paradichlorobenzene or naphthalene used in mothballs causes a broad range of health complications and imbues clothing with a horrible chemical scent. So stay away from those. Wash clothes that contain larvae or eggs. Use hot water and high heat in the dryer, if possible. For clothes that can’t be washed or dried hot, put wet clothes in the freezer for a day to kill larvae and eggs.Like bed bugs, the most common way moths enter the home is by carrying infected items into the house. Food that was not sealed correctly, brought from storage, or clothing from an estate sale can all be culprits. Once taking up residence, unsealed food containers or old clothing in a closet are open invitations to moths.
Like this article? Sign up to our newsletter to get more articles like this delivered straight to your inbox. Around the 1920s, scientists started paying attention to the effect of cedar on fibre-eating insects, like moths and carpet beetles. The species of tree that produces cedar wood and oil is known as Cedrus atlantica. In the oils of Cedrus atlantica are chemicals—sesquiterpene hydrocarbons—that give off a resinous, camphor-like scent. With up to 70 percent of the oils in cedar wood containing these potent compounds, it is believed that is the reason most cedar species are insect-repellent. Combine dried, crushed, and powdered herbs. Combine the following in a bag that you can hang anywhere you keep clothes or food: lavender, bay leaves, cloves, rosemary, and thyme. Moths also hate the odors of these herbs. You can also dilute the essential oils of these herbs and spray them on your clothes and belongings or use a diffuser with one or more combinations of these oils. Now, can cedar be used together with neem oil and other insect-repelling herbs and plants? Of course. You can spray a combination of neem and cedar oil around the house. Place lavender and peppermint sachets in the closet along with cedar hangers. Mix together cloves, lavender sprigs, and cedar chips then place near your clothing. Make your own natural repellant – Place dried rosemary, thyme, cloves, lavender or bay leaves into a small cloth bag and hang them in your wardrobe and place them in your drawers. The oil form of these herbs, sprayed on contaminated areas and clothes, can also repel moths.
How to Use Cedar for Clothes Protection
This article was written by Amanda Rose Newton, a freelance writer for The Spruce. As an entomologist, she is always on the lookout for effective, safe, and easy-to-use insecticides to recommend to friends and family. To prepare this roundup, Amanda Rose tested each product for ease of use, functionality, and accuracy. Keep your clothes and belongings washed before you store them away for long periods of time. Air-dry them in sunlight, if possible. This ensures that any eggs or larvae in your clothes are rinsed out or killed so that they don’t grow into maturity while they’re in storage. MothPrevention® speak to customers every day about their clothes moth issues - clothes moths are a species that are ever increasing and that can cause significant damage to clothes, carpets and other home textiles. A safer option to cedar would be neem oil, otherwise known as Indian lilac. Neem oil, which is used in many kinds of moth oil sprays (found in the UK), can repel a number of insects found in the house, including Clothes Moths. Other natural moth repellents include mint, rosemary, cloves, lavender, thyme, and eucalyptus. Some moth larvae or adult moths also produce glycoproteins from external substances on their bodies or wings that can result in allergic reactions when they’re inhaled.
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