Safe Moth Repellent

Prevent moth damage without the use of dangerous chemicals.

Strong attraction is sometimes referred to as a moth to a flame, but it seems that moths are also attracted to anywhere they can be pests: porch lights, humid bathrooms, and closets where they feed on clothing. Keeping these pests away can be a dangerous affair, with mothballs and other chemical repellents featuring carcinogenic and toxic materials. Instead, try natural repellents that are safe for everyone in your home --- except the moths.

Chemical Mothballs

The primary ingredient in mothballs, a chemical known as naphthalene, is a carcinogenic material, meaning that it is connected to cancer in humans and animals. If you have mothballs, wear gloves to dispose of them in garbage outside your home and wash your hands thoroughly after handling. Air out any area in which the mothballs sat and any area that smells like mothballs. This will help to eliminate the cancer-causing chemical from your home. If you do decide to use chemical treatment for moths, make sure naphthalene is not included on the ingredients list.

Natural Mothballs

Create your own homemade packs of moth-repellent materials. For an all-natural moth deterrent, mix together 2 oz. of dried rosemary, 2 oz. of dried mint, 1 oz. of dried thyme, 1 oz. of dried American ginseng and 8 oz. of whole cloves. Find these herbs at herbal and health-food stores. This recipe will fill about 12 natural mothballs, so buy more if necessary. Mix all of the herbs together and then place into bandannas, handkerchiefs, thin socks or even empty tea bags. Tie off with a ribbon or rubber band and put them wherever you would normally use mothballs.

Other Moth Repellents

You'll never find moths in a cedar chest because of the strong, aromatic scent of cedar. Known in some areas as juniper oil, soak an absorbent towel or piece of cloth with scented cedar oil and place in your closets or drawers to repel moths. You can also wrap dried cedar chips in loose material such as muslin or cheesecloth to help spread the smell. Dried lemon peels, cinnamon sticks, lavender, peppercorns, bay leaves, eucalyptus leaves and wormwood will also produce scents strong enough to repel pesky moths. Use essential oils of any of these scents, or the dried herbs themselves, to drive moths away.

Moth Traps

Some insect-repellent manufacturers produce pheromone traps that use a moth's natural scent and attraction to trap them. Find these traps at specialty retailers or outdoors supply stores and hang them in closets, doorways, on porches or anywhere you have trouble with moths.

References

• Care 2 Healthy and Green Living; Healthy Alternatives to Moth Balls; Annie B. Bond; April 2008
• EarthEasy: Natural Insect Pest Control