How to banish moths for good with Nancy Birtwhistle's simple solutions
It’s that time of year again - moth season is officially here. They ruin our wardrobes, destroy our favourite curtains and chew holes in soft furnishings. But what is the best and most humane way to get rid of them? Our Eco Queen, Nancy Birtwhistle, is here to help with her simple solutions and tips to keep your house moth-free this summer.
WHEN ARE MOTHS MOST ACTIVE?:
Clothes and carpet moths are most active from May until October and when the temperatures are warm between 15 and 35 degrees.
Clothes moths fly whereas carpet moths will crawl and hop around floors and carpets.
WHAT FABRICS ARE THEY DRAWN TO?:
These pests can destroy fabric and other materials. They feed on natural fibres, especially wool, fur, silk, feathers, felt and leather.
AND IT’S NOT ACTUALLY THE MOTHS THAT CAUSE DAMAGE?:
The damage on jumpers can take on the appearance of tiny holes.
It is not the moth itself that does the damage - they lay eggs and then it is the tiny grubs that feast on your favourite items.
WHAT ARE THE BEST TREATMENTS TO USE?:
There are chemical treatments on the market but natural diatomaceous earth (in a sugar shaker) will destroy the pests. It is non toxic, safe around pets and children but lethal to moths because it sticks to them and dries them out.
Method: Sprinkle onto carpets, into drawers and wardrobes and leave for at least 24 hours, then vacuum.
Affected clothing should be washed, and dry clean only items should be frozen.
HOW TO PREVENT MOTHS FROM DESTROYING YOUR CLOTHES:
Moths hate light, fresh air and the smell of pungent natural scents such as cedar, lavender, mint, bay leaves, rosemary and thyme.
Keep your expensive 100% wool clothing in sealed bags – especially when you have finished with your thick jumpers after the winter.
Hang lavender bags onto coat hangers and amongst drawers of jumpers.
Inspect your clothing regularly.
WHAT ABOUT PREVENTATIVES FOR CARPETS AND FURNITURE?:
For carpets and furniture, add lavender flowers to a sugar shaker with bicarbonate of soda.
Method: Sprinkle onto carpets about once a month, leave for 24 hours then vacuum. The carpets will be freshened and the room smelling gorgeous which moths will hate.
Make sure to vacuum carpets regularly and pull out the furniture to get into those hidden areas.
HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN LAVENDER BAGS:
As it is the lavender season now – gather those flowers!
Method: Strip the flowers from the stalks and weigh what you have. Add one part uncooked rice to two parts lavender. The rice will absorb the perfume and any residual moisture.
These can be purchased but it's very easy (and will save you money) to make your own. Use any scraps of fabric and make a variety of sized bags.