How to Moth-Proof With Red Cedar

Moths do not like the smell of cedar.

Moths lay eggs in stored fabric that hatch into larvae that eat the cloth as food, especially wool. During the summer months when winter clothing and bedding are stored in closets moth larvae do their damage undetected until the fall. While you can use moth balls and other pesticides to eliminate moths, using red cedar wood and oil is a more natural and non-toxic option. The cedar smell works by repelling the adult moths rather than killing them.

Things You'll Need

• Plastic storage bins
• Cedar balls
• Cedar hanging blocks
• Cedar oil (optional)

Instructions

1. Wash or dry clean all clothing and other fabric items before storing them. Human oil and sweat will attract moths as well as stain clothing over time.

2. Fold the clothing and bedding neatly and stack them into deep plastic storage bins. Use only containers with tight-fitting lids. Using clear containers makes it easy to see what is inside the bins.

3. Place five to six cedar balls inside a storage box that contains clothing. Cedar balls look like moth balls but they are made of wood and emit a strong cedar scent. Place the lid on top of each container after filling them with the cedar balls. Place additional balls in any drawers or chests that also contain stored clothing.

4. Place the bins in the desired storage area or closet. Use hanging cedar blocks, which have a hook similar to that of a clothes hanger. Hang at least two to three blocks in the storage area to further repel moths from the area.

Tips & Warnings

• Cedar wood loses its scent after three to four years and must be replaced. An alternative to replacing the cedar is to wipe the wood with a rag soaked in cedar wood oil and allow it to dry completely before placing items back in closets or drawers.

• Red cedar also repels cockroaches and silverfish.

References

• Interscan Corporation; How Valuable Are Cedar Closets For Protecting Your Clothes?; Michael D. Shaw; March 2007
• Missouri Families; How Can I Repel Moths Without Toxic Chemicals?; Sharon Stevens
• The Holistic Internet Community; Better Alternatives to Moth Balls; Marti Matsch; January 2004
• University of Kentucky College of Agriculture; Clothes Moths; Mike Potter; January 2010