Clean all cupboards and wardrobes with a vinegar and water solution – Vinegar is a natural cleansing agent and the acid is not tolerable for moths. Be careful here when cleaning antiques.

What are some alternatives to cedar that will work equally as well? While mothballs were once a popular remedy to moth infestations, they are far less so these days. The reason is that mothballs contain a synthetic chemical that is highly dangerous for humans and animals when inhaled. The pure paradichlorobenzene or naphthalene used in mothballs causes a broad range of health complications and imbues clothing with a horrible chemical scent. So stay away from those. But how does this wondrous moth-repelling oil work exactly? The scent itself is not responsible for deterring moths as much as it is camouflaging the scent of a moth’s natural target—keratin. Cedar may not be the definitive moth-killing solution you imagined , but it is effective at protecting your clothing from hungry moths. You can use cedar in combination with neem oil and other natural repellents to keep your home moth-free. However you choose to use cedar, though, it will always be safer and healthier than mothballs. You might have heard that cedar will kill moths, but it’s not true - cedar is a repellant, not a killer. The good news is that, yes, cedar can work against a clothes moth infestation. Yet, there is a time limit to the effectiveness of cedar that you have to keep in mind. When cedar is used to make a chest, the wood contains some natural oils that will naturally repel moths.Fill your home with cedar. You can also use cedar oil in a spray bottle diluted with water or in a diffuser that can spread the scent of cedar. Moths and other insects are repelled by the pheromones in cedar.

Some moth larvae or adult moths also produce glycoproteins from external substances on their bodies or wings that can result in allergic reactions when they’re inhaled. Keep your clothes and belongings stored in airtight containers. Use tightly sealed chests, plastic containers, sealed suitcases, or something similar to make sure moths can’t get inside and lay eggs. Don’t leave any materials like wool or suits exposed to the air — put them in zipped, airtight garment bags inside your sealed containers, especially when you don’t plan to wear them for a while. Make your own natural repellant – Place dried rosemary, thyme, cloves, lavender or bay leaves into a small cloth bag and hang them in your wardrobe and place them in your drawers. The oil form of these herbs, sprayed on contaminated areas and clothes, can also repel moths. Brush any clothes made of wool or fur after you wear them outside. Moth eggs can easily infiltrate your closet by affixing themselves to these materials, so scraping them off regularly can help keep any moth larvae from getting inside. Use vinegar to help. Wash and scrub any areas you found larvae or eggs with a vinegar and water solution.

Cedar, the Safer Option?

Now, can cedar be used together with neem oil and other insect-repelling herbs and plants? Of course. You can spray a combination of neem and cedar oil around the house. Place lavender and peppermint sachets in the closet along with cedar hangers. Mix together cloves, lavender sprigs, and cedar chips then place near your clothing. If you’ve had your clothes dry-cleaned, remove the plastic covering as soon as you get them home to avoid yellowing the fabrics. For seasonal storage, Ballard suggests wrapping the clean clothes in acid-free paper or turning your clothes inside out (so if it yellows, only the inside looks weird) and placing them in a tightly sealed plastic tote or vacuum-sealable bag. This isn’t meant to dissuade you from using cedar, however. As a natural alternative to something more toxic, like mothballs, cedar works well. You can even pair it with other herbs and oils to make it more effective. Keep in mind that you might prefer to use something natural and safer around children and pets? Heat also works as long, as it’s over 120°F for at least 30minutes, Brumfield says. The hottest dryer setting will do the job. Place the item in dry and be mindful of what you toss in there: Ballard warns that heat and mechanical action can affect the texture of fine wool clothes.