Toxic Response moths control is needed, the best first step is to make sure your fabric and food storage areas are clean. Clothes moths tend to hitch rides home from the store on contaminated foods, says Orkin entomologist Chelle Hartzer, and they also love the crumbs and dust of closets and cabinets. These pests prefer dark, dingy environments where they can hide and feed during the day and form silk cocoons at night.

Warding Off Moths: Effective Strategies for Moth Control and Prevention

Thoroughly laundering your woolens, blankets and other washable fabrics will kill all stages of moths and their eggs. Depending on the type of fabric, washing with hot water may be enough, but for delicate items, dry cleaning is usually the best option. If you’ve recently bought a new piece of clothing, blanket or other textile item, and are worried it may have moths, put it in a ziplock bag and place in the freezer. The sub-zero temperature will kill moths and their eggs and is especially effective for vintage clothing.

Vacuuming and regularly cleaning cupboards, drawers and wardrobes will keep moths and their larvae from entering your space in the first place. Wiping down surfaces and scrubbing up crumbs, dust and fibers will help, too. If you’d like to add a natural deterrent, moths are naturally repulsed by the scent of certain herbs. Combine dried rosemary, thyme, bay leaves or cloves in a cloth bag that you can hang in your wardrobe and drawers; alternatively, use the oil form of these herbs in a spray or diffuser to repel moths.