If you notice holes in your favorite jackets, you will need to know how to get rid of mites and protect your clothing. These winged insects will find their way into your closet or drawers, where they eat their larvae of wool, silk, cashmere, mohair, fur, or any other natural fabric.
Moths can not only spoil clothes, but also leave behind insect casings, droppings, and will multiply like larvae. More importantly, mites can provoke allergic reactions on the skin when people sensitive to them come into contact with adult mites or their larvae. That is why it is so important to know how to get rid of mites once and for all.
So where do mites come from? Usually, mites can enter your home through an open window or door. It can also be carried indoors on infested clothing (thrift store or garage sale items) or even at the grocery store. Even if you don’t spot moths during the day, these nocturnal insects are active at night to avoid detection from predators, which is likely why you don’t see them creeping into your tanks during the day.
Fortunately, there are some preventative measures you can take to get rid of mites and preserve your clothes. From household cleaning products and essential oils to clever storage solutions, here’s how to get rid of moths in your closet once and for all.
What types of mites are there?
First, determine what type of moth is present in your home. Usually, there are two types – clothes moths and store moths. Clothes moths usually find their way into closets and wardrobes, where their larvae live on natural fibers such as linen, wool, silk, or fur. On the other hand, pantry mites infest foods and prefer grains and various dry goods such as rice, cereal, biscuits or other stored foods. These usually arrive with items from the grocery store. There may be a couple of marks that are webbing or small larvae inside your food or its package.
How to get rid of moths (clothing)
Clothes mites are a common household pest that can chew holes through natural fabrics and damage them, so it’s important to clean your clothes using the following methods.
1. Get rid of the damaged items and wash your clothes
First, identify moth-infested clothing and dispose of any damaged items. Machine wash the garment following the care label instructions. For delicate fabrics such as wool, fur, or cashmere, dry cleaning is most effective at getting rid of moth larvae. It is important to wash your clothes well to get rid of any eggs that the mites may lay.
2. Vacuum the cabinet and drawers
In general, dirt and dust can attract mites, which tend to hide inside dark corners or crevices. Vacuum inside cabinets or drawers with one of the The best vacuum cleanersThen clean it well. Wipe surfaces with soap and water or a 50/50 water and vinegar solution. White vinegar is a natural disinfectant that kills moth eggs and larvae instantly.
Discover How do you clean with vinegar without smellBut beware of these 7 things not to clean with white vinegar To avoid further damage.
3. Store clothes properly in a cool environment
Once your natural fiber clothing has been washed or dry cleaned, store it in protective clothing bags, boxes, or airtight containers. Garment bags such as clear clothes bags for hanging clothes ($17 (Opens in a new tab)And the Amazon (Opens in a new tab)It will protect your jackets, coats, or other clothing from pesky mites, as well as keep them free of dust. Additionally, make sure your tank is well ventilated, as mites tend to thrive in humid conditions.
4. Put cedar wood in cabinets and drawers
Moths hate strong odors, especially cedarwood and cedar oil, so it’s a good idea to keep them inside cabinets or drawers. You can hang woolen clothes on cedar hangers, or buy cedar balls to hang on hangers.
5. Use lavender or herbs in cupboards and drawers
Likewise, you can place lavender aromatic sachets inside cabinets or drawers to deter moths. If you don’t have lavender, you can also use sachets made with dried rosemary, thyme, cloves, or bay leaves, all of which are commonly found in kitchens.
While mothballs have traditionally been used, they are best avoided. These contain insecticides made of strong chemicals such as naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene, which Research (Opens in a new tab) The allegations are harmful if inhaled.
How to get rid of mites (storage)
Pantry moths can feed on grain, grain, and any other open, dry food sources. If you don’t want your food to spoil, it’s best to get rid of it by following these steps.
1. Get rid of infected food and clean your pantry thoroughly
If you notice glistening larvae in dried foods, get rid of them immediately. Even if you haven’t spotted any crawling, you’ll often notice a musty odor or a sticky secretion in your food areas. Clean surfaces thoroughly with warm soapy water or use a 50/50 solution of water and white vinegar to naturally disinfect all areas.
2. Storing food in airtight containers
Always store dried foods in airtight containers or jars to prevent moths from feeding on them. Choose glass or hard plastic containers for bulk food or resealable food storage bags for bulk items. Moths can eat properly through cardboard and light plastic materials, so get rid of these containers.
3. Reduce humidity and keep your pantry cool
Since mites thrive in humid environments, keep your kitchen at a cool temperature. Make sure your pantry is well ventilated and close all windows or doors if the air conditioner is on. This will prevent any moths from infesting your food.
4. Seal any entry points
Moths love to hide in cracks and crevices, so be sure to seal off any potential entry points. Using a silicone gun, mark and seal any cracks in the back of the pantry, around windows and doors, or the spaces between cabinets and walls. This should physically prevent the mites from entering your food storage areas and laying their eggs.
Of course, if you’ve tried all of the above and are still experiencing a mite infestation, it’s time to call in a pest control professional. They will be able to fumigate your home and eliminate moths and their eggs for good.
Signs of moths in your closet or pantry
- Holes in clothes
- Webbing in the corners of the closet or cupboard
- Cocoons in a cupboard or dark corners
- Bad odors on clothes
- Larvae/eggs on clothes
- Larvae or mites in food
- Upholstery in/on food or packaging
- Musty smell in store
- Sticky secretions in food areas
If you are dealing with any other household pests, check out how to get rid of bed bugs, how to get rid of silverfish, or how to get rid of mosquitoes.
[ad_2]
