DIY Natural Moth Repellent Recipe Using Essential Oils

Have you noticed small holes in your clothing or flying insects in your closet? If you answered yes, you will most likely encounter moths. Moths can be a major annoyance, particularly in wardrobes and storage areas. You can fight this issue by leaving behind the chemical-laden repellents and trying to produce your own natural moth repellent with essential oils. This approach is safe, effective, and environmentally friendly. This article will teach you why moths arrive, what kills them instantaneously, how to get rid of moths with vinegar and essential oils, how to naturally keep moths out of your clothing, and more.

What Causes Moths in the House?

What causes moths in the house includes some common attractants such as the following:

Natural fabrics

Natural materials such as cotton, wool, silk, and fur in clothing, carpets, and upholstery primarily cause moth infestation in homes. Moths deposit eggs on these materials, which leads to larvae hatching and consuming the fabrics, resulting in damage.

Food spills

Food spills as well as residues on clothing can attract pantry moths into homes, providing them with a convenient food source and a place to lay eggs. These eggs develops into larvae, consume the food, causing damage, and potentially infecting other things.

Dark, undisturbed spaces

Clothes moths lay their eggs in quiet, dark areas like wardrobes, carpets, and unclean areas beneath furniture, rugs, storage bins, and garments. These locations provide larvae with a plentiful food source, while adult moths prefer hidden environments, allowing them to live and develop in hidden fabrics and carpets.

Humidity

High humidity and poor ventilation can lead to moth infestations in homes, especially in textiles. Moths thrive in moist, humid environments, so maintaining low humidity levels can help reduce their development. Poor ventilation can also cause moths to thrive in dark, humid environments.

Tip: To keep moths away, always wash clothes before storing them for an extended period.

What Kills Moths Instantly?

What kills moths instantly are the following techniques:

• Use insecticidal sprays containing pyrethrins or permethrin for rapid moth elimination.
• Pyrethrins, derived from flowers, have a rapid knockdown effect but are not as long-lasting as other insecticides.
• Permethrin, a synthetic insecticide, can be applied directly to fabrics.
• Clean containers with a hot, soapy water solution for immediate moth egg destruction.
• Freezing fabrics for at least two weeks kills eggs and larvae.
• Herbs and scents like lavender, rosemary, and thyme can repel moths.

Why Use Essential Oils as Moth Repellents?

Here are the reasons for using DIY natural moth repellent essential oils:

• Essential oils potent aroma and antifungal/antibacterial qualities make them powerful natural deterrents.
• They are a non-toxic, environmentally friendly alternative to chemical mothballs.

Best Essential Oils for Moth Repellent

The essential oils listed below are used to repel moths and can also be utilized in DIY moth repellent products such as sachets, sprays, and wardrobe diffusers.

• Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender essential oil is known for its moth resistance and is commonly used in drawers and wardrobes to preserve fabrics. One possible natural method to stop moths from biting clothing is to make mothballs with lavender oil.

• Patchouli Essential Oil

Patchouli essential oil contains active chemicals like patchoulol and alpha-bulnesene, which have insecticidal effects, disrupting moth life cycles and preventing them from laying eggs in treated areas, providing a pleasant, scented atmosphere.

• Eucalyptus Essential Oil

The potent, menthol-like scent of eucalyptus leaves and essential oil deters moths. Cineole, also known as eucalyptol, has antimicrobial properties, keeping clothing clean and less appealing to moths.

• Cedarwood Essential Oil

Cedarwood essential oil is a DIY natural moth repellent for clothes; it repels moths by altering their pheromones. It works well with clothes moth traps and is appropriate for storing clothing.

DIY Natural Moth Repellent—3 Easy Recipes

1. Essential Oil Sachets (For Wardrobes & Drawers)

Ingredients

• Dried lavender stems:  1 large bunch
• Dried thyme stems:  1 large bunch
• Dried rosemary:  1 large bunch
• dried chamomile: 1 large bunch
• Cedar chips (optional): 1 small bunch 
• Dried bay: 4-6 leaves
• Lavender essential oil (optional): 10-15 drops (cedarwood and peppermint are other options)
• Small cotton or muslin bags
• 1 bowl and spoon

Instructions 

• Remove the flowers from the dried lavender, chamomile, and thyme stems, and place them in the bowl. 
• Now, strip the needles from the rosemary sprigs and place them in the bowl. 
• If you are using cedar chips, also add them to the bowl.
• Then, use a spoon to thoroughly whisk the mixture after adding the bay leaf.
• Now, pour the mixture into each muslin bag, then add one bay leaf.
• Last but not least, add a few drops of lavender essential oil (if using) in each bag or sachet.

How to Use

Simply place these sachets in closets, wardrobe drawers, or under pillows. You can also store sachets containing essential oil for moth repellent in large drawers or bins intended for clothing storage. Place the sachets in corners of drawers, wardrobes, or dumpsters to avoid direct contact with your items. This practice ensures that no essential oils from the moth repellent for wardrobes pass to the fabric and cause stains.

2. Moth Repellent Spray (Using Vinegar)

Ingredients

• White vinegar: 1 cup 
• Distilled water: 1 cup
• Eucalyptus or peppermint essential oil: 10 drops
• A spray bottle

Instructions

• Pour white vinegar and distilled water into the spray bottle.
• Now pour the essential oil of your choice.
• Before using the solution, ensure that it has been thoroughly mixed.
• Your moth repellent is ready once it is well combined!

How to Use

To repel moths, lightly mist a vinegar solution in areas where moths are present or want to be removed, such as closets, pantries, or storage rooms. Spray on wardrobe walls, corners, furniture, and shelves. The strong vinegar smell is believed to repel moths. Allow the solution to dry before storing garments.

3. Wardrobe Cotton Ball Repellent

Ingredients

• The number of cotton balls you need
• 3–5 drops of clove or cedarwood essential oil per ball
• A Container

Instructions

• Add a few drops of your preferred essential oil to the container.
• Dip the cotton balls into the mixture, making sure they are thoroughly saturated with oil.

How to Use

Place the scented cotton balls in your closet, drawers, or any other area where you wish to keep moths away. You may also tuck them into wardrobe corners, garment bags, and hangers. When the scent wanes or becomes insufficiently potent, swap out the cotton balls and replenish the oil every two to three weeks.

Tips to Keep Moths Away Long-Term

Here are some tips for preventing moth infestations in homes over the long term: 

• • Keep the home clean and dry.
• • Use natural moth repellent essential oil products.
• • Get rid of hazardous items and clean up contaminated locations.
• • Use non-toxic pantry or clothing moth traps.
• • Store food, clothing, and other items properly.

Conclusion

Making a DIY natural moth repellent using essential oils is a practical and environmentally friendly solution to combat moth infestations. It promotes a safer living environment without hazardous chemicals. Understanding what causes moths in the house and using natural solutions can protect both clothing and homes.