How To Deter Moths With A Simple But Overlooked Solution

There are plenty of ways to deter moths, and one often overlooked solution is a popular garden herb: lavender (Lavandula angustifolia). The oil present in the lavender plant is made up of over 300 compounds. Two standout components in this plant, which appear to send moths and other creepy crawlies fleeing, are 1,8-cineole and camphor. Studies have found that the essential oil from lavender can be an effective alternative to less eco-friendly synthetic pesticides. 

Planting lavender in your yard is a good way to keep not only moths away, but also flies, fleas, and mosquitoes. In lieu of mothballs, you can place sachets of dried lavender buds in places you want those moths to keep away from. You can also burn dried lavender bundles to rapidly release moth-repelling compounds into the air. If you don't have access to dried lavender, you can place cotton balls with a few drops of lavender essential oil around the house to keep moths away. Or, if you prefer to use a spray, fill a bottle halfway with distilled water and halfway with witch hazel. Add in about 20 drops of lavender essential oil, and apply the solution anywhere you suspect that moths may be lingering.

You can easily grow lavender as a perennial if you live in USDA hardiness zones 5 to 9. This plant requires full sun and well-drained soil, and you can transplant it in the spring or fall. It's also fairly low maintenance and tolerant of drought once established. Expect blooms in the summer. To harvest your lavender, cut long stems when about half the flowers are open. It's best to do this in the morning when the oil is at its most concentrated. Once you have a good bundle, secure the end with a rubber band or twine. Hang the bundle upside down in a cool, dark, dry place for a few weeks. Once it's dry, you can either bind the lavender together to create a stick or shake the dry buds loose into a container. Now you're free to use your lavender around the house to deter moths!

Using lavender to deter moths is just part of getting ahead of an infestation. In order to get rid of them for good, you'll need to implement other important measures. Start with your outdoor space by switching your porch lights to warm-colored LED bulbs; these are less likely to attract moths. Clean up debris where moths might be tempted to lay eggs, such as fallen leaves or clutter. Also, be sure to seal up any potential points of entry such as loose screens or gaps in your siding. Inside, be sure to maintain proper air flow and keep fabrics in air tight containers. If you're dealing with an infestation in a specific closet, wash the fabrics kept inside to kill any larvae and eggs, then vacuum the area thoroughly. Once you've mitigated the situation, you can use lavender to deter moths from taking up residency in your home again.