Help Keep Moths Away Naturally With An Easy DIY Solution

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Nothing will wreak havoc on your wardrobe as much as clothes moths. Unfortunately, these unwelcome visitors are just as drawn to plush wool and chic cashmere as you are (but for different reasons, of course). If they get wind of your sweater stash, you'll need to make a concerted effort to keep them away. Mothballs might seem like the obvious choice, but they contain potentially harmful chemicals like naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene, which classes them as a pesticide. If you're keen to try a natural solution to get rid of clothes moths, cloves is a frequently recommended option. 

There isn't a ton of research on the repellent effect of cloves on clothes moths. However, an old study from 1997, published in the Journal of Pest Science, found that clove essential oil can have an initial repellent effect when used in the confined space of a closet. Unfortunately, the researchers found that moths still managed to lay eggs eventually, which suggests that the repellent effects can wear off after a while. Whether this is because the moths get used to the smell, or the smell just gets weaker, isn't clear. 

Either way, although cloves might not banish moths for good — this doesn't mean they aren't worth a try when protecting prized sweaters, especially if combined with other anti-moth steps. It's a pretty cheap hack, and even if the effects are temporary, you'll still be left with a bonus side effect: A closet that smells deliciously like fall. Which sounds way more appealing than reeking of mothballs. To try this trick, you can either use whole cloves, or clove essential oil for pest control. Essential oil gives off a more potent smell, so this might be the most effective option. 

To help discourage impending moth visits, place a few drops of clove essential oil onto some dryer balls or cotton swabs and nestle them into your closet. Alternatively, purchase whole cloves, or steal some from the pantry, to create a satchel using a small muslin drawstring bag (like these ones from Amazon), and place it near the area of concern. You can also mix clove essential oil and water into a spray bottle and spritz the area. Essential oils can stain, so don't spray your actual clothes, and try not to wedge cotton swabs or dryer balls directly into piles of garments. 

Opting for a clove-inspired solution might help deter moths from entering your closet for a time, but it almost certainly won't fix an infestation that already exists. Plus, these critters can make their way into your home through windows, doors, and shopping bags, so it's important to practice multiple anti-moth measures. To keep your space pest-free, wash your clothes thoroughly before putting them in storage. Moths are particularly attracted to clothes that smell or contain body oils, food marks, etc. Additionally, consider using airtight bags or containers, like Cozy Essential's vacuum storage bags, so that moths can't get to the clothes. Ironing or placing garments in the freezer can also help to destroy unhatched moth eggs. And if the critters have already chomped on a favorite sweater, here's a guide on how to repair moth holes in wool fabric.