How to Make Environmentally Safe Moth Repellents

An environmentally safe and effective repellent for moths can be found in freshly cut cedar wood. You can use natural sources of cedar to make aromatic cedar blocks for deployment in closets and winter clothes storage containers.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 1 cedar log measuring 2 feet by 3 feet by 6 inches
• 1 bow saw
• 1 drill with an 1/8-inch bit
• 1 each of medium and fine grit sanding disc
• 1 electric orbital sander
• 1 miter saw
• 1 decorative string 12 to 14 inches in length

1. 

   Position cedar log onto a raised surface and use bow saw to cut a 1-inch thick cross-section from the log. If available, a chainsaw may be used to speed up this cut .

2. 

   Cut a second 1-inch cross-section to provide a slab with two fresh cut sides.

3. 

   Use an orbital sander with medium grit sandpaper to remove rough cut edges on both faces of the slab.

4. 

   Cut slab into rectangular shape using a miter saw or hand saw.

5. 

   Sand both sides smooth using an orbital sander and fine grit sandpaper.

6. 

   Drill a hole a ¼ inch from the top and center of the block using a 1/8-inch bit.

7. 

   Insert and tie decorative string for use in hanging scented blocks in closets.

8. 

   Repeat Steps 1 to 7 to make additional blocks for use in additional closets and clothes storage containers.

Tips & Warnings

• Cedar sources are abundant in southeastern and western United States. Farmers often cull cedar from fence lines and will gladly donate these to interested parties.
• Do not overlook cedar that has been cut weeks or months earlier; as once you make new cuts, a fresh scent will still be there.
• Cedar sawdust can be collected and sealed in cloth bags for use in drawers or other small spaces.