Undetected Moth Infestations

This is a quick post today but a very important one as many people have a moth problem before they SEE it and they don't even know it. 

Only when the problem is clearly visible, then people are panicking and will take immediate action on their moth infestation problem…

So problems like moth infestations are able to grow undetected over time, especially when moths do not fly around, because the larvae is able to overwinter just without no problem.

Here's a quick insight as to how this can happen....

The young larvae/caterpillars are able to survive without any kind of food recourses up to 8 ½ months.…they are also able to live just on non digesting food recourses and still eating there way through to this kind of indigestible stuff for YEARS (yes you got it right, for YEARS each single larvae can survive and be alive), without developing…at cases like that, these moth larvae can change their skin up to 45 times through out their lifetime as a larvae...  

To get rid of your moths now - or to be proactive and preventative about having a moth infestation at all - please visit Rid Moths Naturally today and consider downloading our eBooks on the subject.

Prevent Clothes Moth and Moisture Damage to Stored Items

Prevent Clothes Moth and Moisture Damage to Stored Items

It is annoying when after you thought you had carefully stored your clothes and taken all the proper precautions, you pull them out only to find that they have been damaged by Clothes or Clothing Moths, Casemaking Clothing or Webbing Clothes Moths.

And if this wouldn't be already enough though, Moisture on Clothes can do harm to them, too.

There are measures you can take to minimize the risk or prevent finding yourself in the unenviable position of having to replace or repair damaged items.

Mothballs:  Although effective, they must be used properly. They are composed of chemical materials and should be kept out of reach of children and pets.  Since they work by emitting toxins that can pose health risks, they are not ideal.

Mothball Alternatives: Common items that work as natural moth repellants include lavender, cedar blocks or chips and mint leaves.  All are readily available either in actual product or essential oils at your local store and can easily be placed into sachets.

Moisture: Clothing or other cloth items that have been stored unintentionally with moisture can easily stain or become otherwise damaged.  If traces exist of mold or mildew spores, the presence of moisture will allow these substances to grow. You can use drying agents or desiccant packets made from a number of different materials such as silica gel, activated charcoal or clay.

However, you can make drying agents at home using Epsom salt.  It is really simple. 

Spread Epsom salt evenly over a baking pan and place in the oven at 550 degrees Fahrenheit.    The salt will dehydrate creating a hissing sound.  Once the hissing has stopped, remove the pan from the oven.  

Crush the dehydrated cake of Epsom salt into small chunks and store in an airtight container.

Place ½ to ¾ cup of salt on a small square of thin cloth and gather together the fabric to make a packet.  Tie the bag closed and either hang or place it in your closet.  Check every two to four weeks to see if the bag needs to be replaced. 

Easy and effective!

Proper Clothing Storage to Prevent Moth Problems

Properly Storing Your Cloth Items to Ward off Clothing Moths, Clothes Moths or Webbing Clothes Moths

After you have properly cleaned your clothing in preparation for storage, there are three primary factors to consider for best results.

1.                  Location:  Failure to choose a proper space can render items susceptible to Moths or moisture damage.  Location is key as an attic may become very hot during summer months.  Basements and garages tend to be damp.  The ideal place is dark, dry and relatively cool most of the time. Closets are the best option here, when it comes to store clothing. 
            Other places to consider for long-term storage may include the spaces underneath beds or stairwells. 
            
            Please note: These two options should only be used,  if you really can't store them in proper wardrobes (in closets).

2.                  Shelves or Hangers:  Now that you have the perfect location for storage, you have to decide how to store the items. Hanging is usually the best method for shirts, pants and anything else prone to wrinkles. Hang by their natural seams and do up any buttons or zippers. For heavy items such as coats or suits, use the extra hanging loops they generally have. 

Knitted items should never be hung as they will tend to lose their shape.  Instead fold them and place them into a container with the heaviest items on bottom and lightest on top.

If you cannot hang your other items, fold them and store in the same way as knitted items.

3.                  Containers:  Once you have the location in mind, it is equally as important to choose appropriate containers.  In areas prone to moisture and insects, plastic bags, garment bags or plastic boxes are not good options.  Instead use waterproof and airtight storage containers.

Many fabrics tend to expand and contract according to temperature.  If they are restricted the fabric can more quickly degrade. When storing in a low-risk area, breathable containers are a better option. Avoid cardboard boxes as they can attract these clothes eating moths but also other insects too. 

One of the best choices is a suitcase because it is breathable and lightweight, not to mention designed to hold clothing!  

Eliminate Clothes Moths Before Storing Clothes

Today we are going to discuss how to eliminating Moths in Clothing Before Storing Them ; Without Using Chemical Based Products

Before storing your cloth items, it is wise to eliminate any pests. Here on my blog i do describe moth problems and their solutions in homes.  Try to avoid using chemical-based detergents as these chemicals may not only harm the environment but the allergens or toxins that they may contain, too. The ingredients of them can be very  harmful to us humans but also to your beloved pets as well, if you let them wear fabrics too.  

So the longer you wait to clean and remove these substances, what are lying in your fabric the harder it will be to remove them, PLUS the health risks just related to that will also increase dramatically.

There are some effective natural ways to get rid of moths before putting items in storage.

1.                  Properly clean items with a natural base fragrance free detergent.  This will help remove mold, mildew spores or any insect eggs that may have been deposited in them. 

2.                  You can also mix together your own natural laundry detergent.  Some commonly used ingredients include baking soda, borax, castile or glycerin soap flakes and essential plant oils.  Following is a sample effective recipe:

16 cups of baking soda

12 cups of borax

8 cups of castile/glycerin soap flakes

3 tablespoons of essential oils. Popular choices include lavender, lemon and grapefruit.

3.                  Avoid using commercial fabric softeners as they may attract not only Moths in Clothing, but they may also effect your health too. An excellent alternative is vinegar.  Not only is it a wonder as a fabric softener, it will also help remove soap residue in washing machines.  Simply pour it in the laundry itself or through the softener dispenser.  If you want to add natural fragrances, consider using essential oils such as lavender, orange or peppermint. You can also use cedar or mountain pine oil what i use on a rotation basis.

4.                  If you suspect that cloth items may have been infested with eggs, put the items in a freezer bag and remove all the air.  Place the bag in the freezer for 48 hours, remove and let defrost for 24 hours and then return to the freezer to kill any remaining eggs and moth infested areas.

For a far more comprehensive list of moth removal remedies, please visit Rid Moths Naturally and
consider downloading my books.

Natural Methods of Controlling Household Moths

While moths may seem like harmless little creatures, they can, in fact, cause considerable damage to your cloth items.  People have been trying to control moths for thousands of years.  If not caught early, it can become very difficult to get rid of them.

While chemical insecticides are effective, they can also pose serious health risks to people.  As a way to provide a safer way to control moths, scientists have developed and are continuing to work on synthetic insecticides.  Although initially promoted as being a safer alternative, a number of health and environmental problems are now being attributed to their use such as certain types of cancers and nerve disorders, not to mention the potential to cause serious problems in aquatic eco-systems.

So what sort of natural alternatives can you use?

There are items that are easy to get hold of that can be effective in controlling moths that are natural and non-toxic. 

Cedar wood is a natural repellant and quite effective as is lavender.  If you do not have a cedar-lined closet or chest, you can pick up some cedar blocks or chips at the store and place them in the area that you want to protect.  While over time, cedar will lose its scent, it is easy enough to restore it.  Simply sand the cedar lightly or purchase a bottle of cedar oil and apply it to the wood. 

Filling sachets with dried lavender or cotton balls dipped in lavender oil and placing them in your closet or drawers will also be effective in warding off the months.

These two items are safe to use, inexpensive and can easily be either tucked in between layers or placed in sachets.  

My Advice: They do work most of the times, if you haven't a moth infestation yet! 

But if the little buggers have already established a nest in your pantry, closet, wardrobe or on your finest and most beautiful carpet there are different steps to take, as just having some repellents in place. 


What steps you should take immediately and much, much more on why you have a moth infestation, how to deal with them the most successful way you find out from my book on how to get rid of moths or stay tuned for my next blog post to find out more about, what's really going on, if moths do attack your home right now.  

When Moths Become Pests

Ask any person in the agricultural business about moths and you will surely get the sense that they are not considered good friends.   Moths are part of the order of Lepidoptera which forms the largest group of insects that feeds solely on plants.  Not all species of moths are a great threat, but those that are can cause significant damage. Daily egg production for one female moth can range anywhere between 200 to 30,000 eggs.   It is not difficult, therefore, to understand how an infestation of caterpillars can wipe out a large crop within a very short period.

And it is not just outside that moths can cause significant damage.  They can also do damage inside.  There are a number of species that can be a real pest in your home due to their penchant for munching on your fabric items including clothing, sheets, tablecloths and whatever else they can get to. These moths have a particular attraction to items manufactured from organic fibers such as cotton, linen, silk, wool and fur.

There are three species of moths that pose the most significant threat to cloth items.  These are known as the Common Clothes Moth, the Case-bearing Clothes Moth and the Carpet Moth.  As you can see, they are most appropriately named!

Now, how is it that certain types of insects have become adapted to a food source that is not actually found in their natural environment?   I guess you could say that necessity is the mother of adaptation.  These insects have developed through evolution a unique ability to turn keratin, the protein found in hair and wool, into food.  For this reason, cloth items that have been manufactured with animal fibers such as wool tend to be the most vulnerable.  

Chemical Insecticides for Moths

We’ve all done it – batted away those annoying insects and muttered all kinds of things when despite all the screens in the world, the buggers make their way into our homes.

It can seem like getting rid of them is a never-ending job.  It is, in fact, a constant battle.  We’ve tried all sorts of things to keep them out from the aforementioned screens to sealing every single crack we can find to maintaining garbage control.  Yet, they still seem to break through.

Enter insecticides.

Unlike pesticides which are used against any sort of pest, be it plant or animal, insecticides specifically target insects.

Now we come to the organic vs chemical insecticides.

Insecticide use has been around for thousands of years.  The first forms of insecticides were natural substances derived from plants including the tung oil plant, turnip flower and chrysanthemums.

The first known use of chemical insecticides occurred centuries ago when sulfur dusting was used to protect against mites.  By the time the 1400’s rolled around, arsenic and mercury were being used for insecticides.

Until the 1950’s, arsenic-based products dominated the market being replaced by chlorinated organic compounds like DDT which was then replaced in the1970’s by organophosphates and carbamates.  Negative environmental and health effects led to the development of synthetic pyrethroids derived from chrysanthemums and designed to mimic the insecticidal activity of the organic compound pyrethrum.  Still used today it is found in common bug sprays. 

Unfortunately synthetic pyrethroids pose health risks and have been implicated in the onset of Parkinson’s and certain types of cancers.  In addition they are associated with environmental risks.

What can you do if you don’t want to go the chemical route?

Natural substances that have been used to control some species of insects include garlic, wormwood and rhubarb.  Neem oil combined with castile soap has been found to be quite effective.  Nicotine, elder, thyme, sage and onion are all items which can be used as an alternative to might avoid an moth infestation as well.  

The good part is that these are all readily available.

P.S. I may not recommend that your remedies be as simple as those natural solutions list above -- as i know it's a combination of things that works best over time, but i am simply sharing some quick facts here.  For more detailed information on getting rid of moths, please visit my website and download our books.

Natural Alternatives To Moth Balls

With the growing concern about the chemicals in mothballs and in a bid to create a less toxic product, camphor is sometimes used as the primary ingredient. Camphor comes from the camphor tree, native to Asia.  It was introduced into North America in the late 1800’s.  Camphor is used in Asia to treat a number of medical conditions such as headaches and digestive disorders.  However, in large doses, it is known to be poisonous – not such an attractive quality.  Synthetic camphor may be derived from the essence of turpentine.

Although touted as a safer alternative to traditional chemicals in mothball production - naphthalene and dichlorobenzene – camphor comes with its own set of health risks including the potential to cause hormone imbalances, seizures, confusion and hyperactivity.  In a high enough dose it can be lethal. 

Despite the ‘safer’ edge of camphor, it is obviously far from ideal.

So what can you do?  At Rid Moths Naturally we have taken great strides in researching and testing the answer to this.  Here are just a couple of examples of the tips we have to get rid of moths.

There are some environmentally friendly alternatives.  An additional benefit to these alternatives is that they do not have the traditional unpleasant odor of mothballs.  Instead, the fragrances are much more pleasing. 

            Here’s an easy recipe for a repellant spray.  Mix the following:

¨       ¼ cup of Neem oil

¨       ½ gallon of water

¨       Dab of liquid castile soap

Spray inside your closets, drawers or other storage areas.

Various natural herbs that can also be used to repel moths.  Lavender leaves and oil, mint leaves, cedar wood chips, rosemary, bay leaves, cloves and thyme are all effective. 

It’s quite easy to mix some of these ingredients together and place them into a small sachet.

            The following mix has proven to be effective.

¨       2 ounces of dried rosemary and mint

¨       1 ounce of dried thyme and ginseng

¨       8 ounces of whole cloves

In conclusion, despite the easy temptation to just open up a box of mothballs and toss a few in the closet, think twice and try a safe alternative instead.

Moth Balls - What Is Really Going On

Mothballs have a distinct odor.  Everyone recognizes it and everyone wrinkles up their nose at the smell.  But what’s really going on behind Mothballs?  Are they safe?

First of all, let’s look at what a Mothball really is – a small ball of chemical pesticide.  They are used to protect cloth items from those irritating little holes that either make you pick up a sewing needle or toss the item depending on how diligent the hungry larvae of the moths have been.

The most common use of Mothballs is to protect clothing.  Tossing a few in a closet is seen as a safeguard. However, Mothballs work using substances that are toxic to both the larvae and the moths. They are like dry ice (solid CO2) and undergo a physical change called sublimation. In this change the solid Mothball goes directly into the gas stage without first melting. In this gas stage the vapors can build up and kill the moths and their larvae. Mothballs are often also used to repel a number of other pests including mice and squirrels. 

But think about it for a minute.  If this stuff is so strong that it kills, do you really want to be near it?  It’s not really surprising that Mothball use has declined in recent years.  Research has indicated that the chemicals in Mothballs have the potential to cause, among other health issues, nausea, eye and skin irritation and cancer.

The health risks are attributed to two primary chemicals commonly found in Mothballs – Naphthalene derived from the distillation of coal tar and Paradichlorobenzene which is sometimes used as a substitute for Naphthalene. 

So you might want to think twice before you just toss a bunch of Mothballs into a closet.  There are safer moth removal alternatives out there.  

Similarities Between Moths And Butterflies

So you would think that despite the fact that there are visible differences between moths and butterflies, there would also be a number of similarities.  And, of course, there are!

The most common and widely spread order of insects is Lepidoptera, and both of these flying delights belong to it. 

I found the word, Lepidoptera, so interesting that I had to share some facts.  The word was coined by Swedish botanist Carolus Linnaeus in 1773 and is derived from the Latin word for scaly wing.  In all, there are over 170,000 species in this order that are known.  There may be more.  That’s right – more beautiful butterflies to admire and more moths to eat your clothes!

But back to some more similarities.  They all go through four life cycle stages – egg, larva, pupa and adult. 

They all also have tiny three dimensional scale-like structures on their wings, which serve a couple of different purposes. The first is the more well-known effect: creating the colours of the wings.  These structures also assist in thermoregulation and flight.  In males, the scales play a part in the production of pheromones – so crucial in the courtship and mating ritual. 

The benefits to humans of these insects include the pollination of plants, essential in food production.  Some moths and butterflies produce certain chemicals in their bodies that may, for example, be used in the production of antibiotics.

In studying symbolism, both moths and butterflies have had their run at it.  In ancient Greek mythology moths and butterflies were sometimes associated with death.  In Japan a butterfly was seen as representative of a person’s soul.  In China, two butterflies flying together symbolize love.  Some feel that moths symbolize sensuality because moths are attracted to light much as sensuality involves physical attraction. 

So whether a moth or a butterfly, they are similar in that they have their own form of beauty.

The Difference Between Moths & Butterflies

I remember when I was a kid being fascinated by these insects with different coloured wings and protruding antennae that for the most part seemed to be more or less the same except for their colours.  Now that I’m older and wiser I realize that I was lumping butterflies and moths into the same category when in fact there are quite a few differences.

           

For one thing you will notice, if you look, that when a moth is at rest, they hold their wings flat against their bodies while butterflies hold their wings together straight up from their bodies.

           

The antennae are also different.  A moth’s antennae look a little fuzzy or feathery and are simply one long filament, while a butterfly’s antennae are slender and have a knob at the end.

           

Of course, the most obvious difference is in the colouring of the wings.  Butterfly wings come in a lovely array of colours and patterns.  All you need to do is compare the vivid orange of the Monarch to the iridescent blues of the Morpho Blue to get a glimpse of how wide this range is.  Moths, on the other hand, have wings that are in brown or grey shades. 

           

As far as the body type, moths tend to have a thicker torso that is covered in hair.  Butterflies have smooth bodies that are more slender.

           

Even before birth, the cocoons differ.  During the pupae stage, most butterflies form an exposed pupa known as a chrysalis.  If you look closely, you may be able to see the butterfly through the outer layer – it’s really interesting!  Most moth caterpillars spin a silk cocoon that is much denser, although certain species of moths such as hawk moths or gypsy moths will form a pupa more similar to that of a butterfly.

           

Moths are nocturnal preferring to come out at night when it’s cooler (remember they have that hairy body) while butterflies prefer the daylight – not surprising as if you have that pretty and colourful a coat, why not show it off!

Chemical Insecticides Are Not The Answer

With a Moth Infestation many people will affirm that the answer is to disinfect every corner of your home and sanitize every inch of your kitchen.  

Others will hand you their exterminator’s business card and urge you to make the call immediately.  The exterminator was helpful to your friends or colleagues and they got rid of their moths with great speed never to return again.  PERFECT!  Problem solved right?  

Well, not exactly. Yes, the exterminator will come right away, but they’ll be bringing a slew of harsh chemicals that you know nothing about along with them and in turn you WILL be putting your health at great risk.

If you have children it's worse as well!

So, avoid the exterminators YES.  But that's not all you need to avoid.  Over the counter, store bought moth removal kits are also full of harsh chemicals.  

Even if you try the less invasive pheromone traps everyone talks about these days they have chemicals too.  The problem with these is that they will only attract a few of the moths running a muck in your home, and won’t rid the entire house of moths.  They also don't kill the larvae and eggs either.

The truth is that none of thoee methods really works.  Chemical exposure for long periods of time can cause you and your family a number of health problems.  These will definitely be much worse than having to deal with a moth invasion.  The toxins of those insecticides can provoke anything from birth defects to respiratory problems.  And while they may kill the moths for now, the problem will return a few months later. 

Please consider natural moth removal instead.  It's just as effective, if not more so and far better for everyone involved.

Is Your Moth Problem Your Fault?

So you have a moth problem in the home...

What do you do about it? 

First, you need to know that moths can come from where you least expect them and while they can be very easy to get rid of - you need to know where, when and how.  

The most shocking truth to most people is that moth larvae can be found in your cereal boxes at a warehouse!  So it's not even your FAULT that you have moths sometimes.

These cereal boxes then get delivered to the local grocery stores; and from there, you inadvertently bring them home.  

Yep, it's gross to think about.  I know this.  This is why I am so invested in teaching people about moths and how to get rid of them.

But lets carry on because it's NOT just your cereal boxes you need to worry about...some moth eggs attach themselves to the base of wool fibers (from the carpeting manufacturer down to the distributors as well) and within a couple of weeks they hatch.  If you get your carpet somewhere in between  - guess what happens...

You get your carpet and a carpet moth infestation at the same time all for the price of ONE beautiful carpet!  Wow!  Once again, not your fault.  

After the moth eggs hatch, the larvae can move around your home.  They take residence inside rice, pasta or other grains you keep in your pantry and you might not even notice them on their travels.

They may crawl inside of boxes of nuts, chocolates, and even bird seed or dog food.  They can cling to pet dander, hair or sweat.  They can invade your home through dirty air ducts, an open window, second-hand furnishings or clothing. 

So the next time you wonder what you did to get this moth infestation - don't blame yourself.  Know that sometimes, MANY TIMES, it's right at the source and there is very little you can do about it.

All that's left is to accept that you have a moth problem - and learn how to get rid of moths.  At RidMothsNaturally.com we have all natural solutions that will make your moth removal easy and safe.

Welcome to my blog!

My name is Gerald Fleissner, and the reason I started this blog is not only to show you how you can get rid of moths completely natural and environmentally safe, but also explaining you step by step how nature works…

You may asking yourself now, what background I have and how much I now about nature stuff…well I may have to disappoint you in this case, because my background is nothing I have studied on an university…My background comes from studying nature, in the nature and based on that, I was able to discover total phenomena things, I never dreamed about to discover for my entire life…

Now I am able to write about it and give you more insights, why nature is something we can’t live without…why nature is the guideline, were everything is build up on, why without nature you and me would not exist…why nature will still exist when we (humans) are already long disappeared and left, because the earth did need a break from how we treated this planet, when we keep things like we are doing it today…

But until then, there is still a lot we can do or have to do…we have solutions on our hand, we have the great opportunity to change it, because on every bad side there is hope and a way you wouldn’t believe this chance could exist at all…