What to use instead of mothballs?

Here's how to get rid of moths naturally without using mothballs.
  • Always Wash First. Image via Bigstock. ...
  • Cedar Chips. Cedar chips are a natural moth deterrent and a useful alternative for protecting your closet's contents from insects. ...
  • Lavender. ...
  • Cloves. ...
  • Airtight Containers. ...
  • DIY Moth Repellant Spray. ...
  • Clean Up After Pets.
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How do I get rid of moths without mothballs?

For a basic recipe of homemade moth spray you'll need a 2-quart spray bottle. Pour in ¼ cup of neem oil. Fill the remaining space with water and add some liquid soap. You can also use white vinegar and water or a mixture of vinegar, neem oil, and vinegar to make a moth-killing spray.
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How do you make homemade mothballs?

Homemade Mothballs
  1. 1 tablespoon dried lavender buds and flowers.
  2. 1 tablespoon dried peppermint leaves.
  3. 1 tablespoon dried rosemary.
  4. 1 tablespoon dried clove buds.
  5. 1 cinnamon stick.
  6. 15-20 drops essential oils.
  7. Small breathable bag.
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Why are moth balls not used anymore?

Not only are artificial fabrics totally lacking in nutritional value, they can disrupt moths' reproductive cycle and sometimes even impede their ability to lay and fertilize eggs.
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What is a natural moth repellent?

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.
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Simple Garden Hack....Mothballs



What smells do moths hate?

Moths and other insects are repelled by the pheromones in cedar. 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.
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How do you make homemade moth spray?

DIY Fragrant Water
  1. 16 ounce spray bottle.
  2. 1/2-1 Tablespoon essential oil* (experiment with you own mix using scents you like; my favorite source is Enfleurage)
  3. 1/2 ounce distilled alcohol (optional, to help water and oil mix; vodka also works)
  4. Distilled water, or a mix of distilled water and rosewater to fill bottle.
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What is the best way to protect clothes from moths?

Here are 5 things you can do to keep these winged pests away:
  1. Wash garments thoroughly before you put them away. Clothes moths are attracted to perspiration and food stains.
  2. Keep your wardrobe well ventilated. ...
  3. Store away clothes carefully. ...
  4. Use a natural moth repellent. ...
  5. Spritz carpets with lavender.
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What kind of animals do mothballs keep away?

"Often, mothballs are used in these locations to control pests other than clothes moths," Stone said. They include squirrels, skunks, deer, mice, rats, dogs, cats, raccoons, moles, snakes, pigeons and a variety of other animals. Any such use is illegal.
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Do moth balls keep mice away?

Do mothballs keep mice away? Mothballs repelling mice and rats is a common misconception. Mothballs contain a small amount of naphthalene and can be a deterrent in large quantities, however, they aren't powerful enough to get rid of mice and rodents.
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Can you make your own mothballs?

Thankfully, you can make your own mothballs at home. They are just as effective as the commercial ones but the good news is they are made with natural and pleasant smelling ingredients. No more pungent smell lingering in your wardrobe!
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What are moth ball made out of?

Mothballs are commonly made of naphthalene or para- dichlorobenzene, both of which are toxic to humans. These chemicals are solids at room temperature and are made into round balls, flakes or cakes that slowly change to a gas and become fumes in the air.
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Does vinegar get rid of moths?

Vinegar: Vinegar really can be used for anything. And when it comes to cleaning out your closet or storage box to repel moths, it does the job. The strong acidic smell of vinegar will repel moths away from the area as well as cleanse the area from dirt, dust, moth eggs and larvae.
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Does lemon oil repel moths?

Moths are highly sensitive and can't tolerate the aroma of lavender or lemon. ***Important note, lavender and lemon essential oil won't kill moths and moth larvae, it will only repel them. You'll want to make sure that you don't have any preexisting "friends" hiding in your clothes.
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Does peppermint oil keep moths away?

Mint leaves are another effective moth repellent. Place a handful of dried peppermint in a sachet, or place loose leaves among your clothes. Peppermint oil works well, too. Just apply a few drops to a cotton ball, and tuck it in the corner of your closet.
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Will squirrels eat mothballs?

Mothballs. The smell of mothballs, which bring back memories of visits to grandmother's house for so many people, is repulsive for squirrels.
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Do snakes hate mothballs?

Use of Snake Repellents

Mothballs are commonly thought to repel snakes, but they are not intended to be used this way and have little effect on snakes.
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How long do moth balls last?

Mothballs can last up to four to six weeks, and they can last even longer if you store your garments in a tightly sealed container. Regardless of how long the mothballs last before they dissolve, the smell will likely last longer.
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Which is better mothballs or cedar?

You can use cedar in combination with neem oil and other natural repellents to keep your home moth-free. However you choose to use cedar, though, it will always be safer and healthier than mothballs.
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How can you tell if clothes have moth holes?

They are particularly attracted to dark, warm, humid spaces, and dirty clothing (especially unwashed items that may have lingering body oils or food residue). If you aren't sure if the holes are moth-caused, one way to tell is that some larvae will leave behind a web that resembles dried snot.
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What essential oil repels moths?

Use herbs or essential oils.

Moths, like many insects, simply can't stand the smell of some of the most aromatic herbs, like mint, lavender, bay leaves, cloves, rosemary, and thyme. Use this to your advantage to create natural moth repellents in your home.
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What can I spray to get rid of moths?

SLA Cedar Scented Spray is used for quick, immediate protection. It kills on contact not only moths, carpet beetles and silverfish, but many other flying and crawling insects. SLA will not stain and leaves behind a fresh cedar scent.
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Do moths like apple cider vinegar?

Pantry moths aren't fans of vinegar - regardless whether it's wine or apple cider vinegar. The scent of this liquid effectively deters the insects. For this reason, it's a good idea to add a few drops of vinegar to water when cleaning cupboards and shelves.
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Does cinnamon repel moths?

Sprinkling Cinnamon on Baseboards to Repel Moths

Moths and many other insects hate the smell of cinnamon. Reach for cinnamon to repel pests from your pantry or closet, or use cinnamon to get rid of infestations. Sprinkle cinnamon on the baseboards of your pantry and closet.
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