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.