How To Get Rid Of Moths
Getting rid of a moth infestation on your own requires identifying the type of moth, eliminating the source, and using a combination of cleaning, storage, and treatment methods to stop the infestation from spreading. Here’s how homeowners and business owners can tackle moths effectively:
Identify the Type of Moth
Before acting, determine what type of moth you’re dealing with, as treatment varies:
Pantry Moths (Indian Meal Moths): Found near dry goods like cereal, flour, grains, pet food, or nuts.
Clothes Moths (Webbing or Case-Bearing): Found in closets, storage rooms, or upholstered furniture; they feed on wool, silk, fur, and other natural fibers.
Locate and Eliminate the Source
For Pantry Moths:
Inspect all dry goods. Discard any infested or questionable items in sealed bags.
Clean shelves thoroughly using a vacuum and warm, soapy water, followed by a vinegar solution (1 part vinegar to 1 part water).
Wipe cracks, crevices, and corners where larvae or eggs may be hiding.
For Clothes Moths:
Check closets, drawers, storage bins, and baseboards for larvae, cocoons, and adult moths.
Vacuum thoroughly, especially along edges and seams.
Wash or dry-clean infested clothing and textiles on high heat if possible.
Deep Cleaning and Sanitation
Vacuum all affected areas (carpets, furniture, closets, pantries). Immediately seal and dispose of vacuum bags outdoors to prevent reinfestation.
Use natural deterrents such as cedarwood, lavender sachets, or essential oils. These don’t kill moths but can help repel new ones.
Wipe surfaces with a vinegar solution or mild disinfectant to remove pheromone trails that attract more moths.
Seal and Store Properly
Store susceptible food items in airtight glass, metal, or thick plastic containers. Thin plastic or cardboard is easily chewed through.
Store clothes in vacuum-sealed bags or airtight bins, especially during off-seasons.
Avoid keeping organic materials like wool or feathers in humid, unventilated spaces.
Use Moth Traps
Place pheromone traps to catch and monitor adult moth activity.
For pantry moths: put traps near pantries and dry food storage areas.
For clothes moths: use traps in closets or storage spaces.
These traps help break the breeding cycle by attracting and trapping male moths.
Environmental Controls
Reduce humidity — moths thrive in damp environments. Use a dehumidifier if needed.
Increase light exposure — moths prefer dark, undisturbed areas, so regularly air out closets and storage areas.
Inspect regularly — check food storage and clothing every few weeks for any new signs of activity.
Targeted Natural and Chemical Options
Diatomaceous Earth (food-grade): Sprinkle lightly in cracks, under shelves, or along closet edges to kill larvae naturally.
Insecticidal sprays: Use a residual insecticide labeled for moth control only in cracks, crevices, or non-food-contact areas. Always follow label directions carefully.
Freezing or Heat Treatment: Expose infested items to temperatures below 0°F for 3–4 days or above 120°F for at least 30 minutes to kill all life stages.
Persistent infestations or large-scale outbreaks, however, often require our professional pest control for complete eradication, as hidden eggs and larvae can quickly restart the infestation.
The Best Way To Get Rid Of Moths
Our professional pest control is the most effective and reliable way to eliminate a moth infestation because our experts have the training, tools, and treatment strategies needed to completely break the moth life cycle and prevent future infestations. While DIY efforts can provide temporary relief, our professional intervention ensures long-term control and protection of property and inventory. Here is why our professional pest control is the superior solution for moths in both residential and commercial settings:
Comprehensive Inspection and Accurate Identification
Our professional pest technicians are trained to accurately identify the species of moth and locate hidden sources of infestation—whether they’re in stored food, furniture, wall voids, or structural crevices.
Homeowners and business owners often only see adult moths, missing the larvae and eggs hidden deep within materials or behind walls.
Our technicians use advanced inspection tools, pheromone traps, and knowledge of moth behavior to pinpoint breeding sites and infestation hotspots.
Correct identification is critical because clothes moths, pantry moths, and stored-product moths each require different control methods.
Professional-Grade Treatments and Products
Our pest control professionals use EPA-approved, industrial-grade insecticides and growth regulators that aren’t available for consumer use. These treatments are formulated for effectiveness and safety when applied correctly.
Residual insecticides target larvae and adults over an extended period.
Insect growth regulators (IGRs) disrupt the life cycle, preventing eggs and larvae from developing into breeding adults.
Fumigation or fogging treatments may be used in severe cases to ensure full coverage in inaccessible areas.
These products provide a level of thoroughness and longevity that DIY sprays, traps, or natural repellents simply cannot achieve.
Elimination of All Life Stages
Moth infestations persist because of their life cycle—eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults can coexist in the same environment. Overlooking even a small pocket of eggs or larvae can lead to reinfestation within weeks.
Our professionals are trained to identify and treat all life stages, ensuring no residual population remains.
We target hidden larvae and pupae, which are often overlooked during DIY cleaning.
This complete eradication approach ensures that the infestation doesn’t resurface.
Protection of Food, Fabrics, and Inventory
For homeowners, moths can destroy expensive clothing, carpets, and stored goods. For businesses—especially those in food service, hospitality, retail, or warehousing—moths can cause product contamination, brand damage, and financial losses.
Our professional pest control applies treatments safely around sensitive areas such as food products, textiles, or machinery.
We also provide preventive programs to protect against future infestations, preserving both inventory and reputation.
Advanced Monitoring and Long-Term Prevention
After the initial treatment, our professionals continue to monitor for residual activity using traps, inspection schedules, and maintenance programs.
This ongoing surveillance ensures that any new moth activity is caught early.
We provide integrated pest management (IPM) plans that combine environmental modifications, exclusion techniques, and targeted treatments for sustainable long-term results.
DIY approaches usually stop after visible moths disappear, allowing hidden populations to rebound.
Safety and Regulatory Compliance
Improper use of over-the-counter insecticides can contaminate food, fabrics, or surfaces and pose health risks. We are licensed and trained to:
Use safe, targeted applications with minimal disruption.
Follow local, state, and federal regulations regarding pesticide use.
Protect occupants, pets, and sensitive materials during and after treatment.
This ensures a safe and compliant solution for both homes and businesses.
Cost-Effective and Efficient
Our professional pest control is more cost-effective in the long term. DIY attempts often fail to eliminate the root problem, leading to repeated infestations, wasted money on ineffective products, and costly damage to food or clothing. Our professionals provide:
Faster resolution of infestations.
Reduced downtime for businesses.
Long-term prevention plans that save money over time.
Peace of Mind and Guaranteed Results
We provide a satisfaction guarantee, meaning if moth activity returns, we will re-treat at no additional charge. This assurance provides peace of mind that the problem will be handled thoroughly and correctly.
Our professional pest control doesn’t just kill moths—we eliminate the infestation at its source and prevents it from coming back, protecting both your property and your investment.