Households across the UK are being urged to put lavender in their wardrobes this autumn to deter moths.
The transition from summer into autumn means a change in clothing, with shorts and t-shirts often being packed away to make way for the cosy knits. But while your jumpers, cashmere cardigans, scarves and heavy wool coats may help to keep you warm in the chilly autumnal weather, these items need to be properly stored away or you run the risk of your autumn wardrobe being ruined by pesky moths.
Clothes moths are active in the UK during autumn thanks to central heating providing them with the warm environment they require to thrive. The larvae of moths feast on natural fibres like wool, silk and cashmere, leaving holes, tunnels, silky webbing and sand-like droppings in your clothes, with the damage often occurring in dark, quiet and undisturbed places like your wardrobe and drawers.
But fortunately there is a way to tackle this problem and all you need is a bit of lavender.
Clothes moths don’t like the smell of lavender so it’s a great natural deterrent to help keep them at bay. Clothing experts recommend placing sachets of dried lavender, along with a few drops of lavender essential oil, inside your wardrobe and drawers to deter the common pests.
Nicola Barker, head of buying at Suit Direct, said: “As we head into Autumn, moths will become more frequent and can wreak havoc on your favourite clothing items, especially knitwear with natural fibre contents such as wool, cashmere and mohair.
“You can help to prevent pesky moths from biting into your clothes by investing in some scented wardrobe or drawer sachets. Aside from keeping your clothes smelling fresh, sachets with scents such as cedarwood, lavender, and rosemary are your best friend when it comes to moth-proofing your clothes storage.
“Regular cleaning is equally important. Moths are attracted to perspiration, food stains, and body oils, so ensure clothes are thoroughly cleaned before storage. Even items that seem clean should be washed or dry cleaned, as invisible residues can still attract moths.”
If you can’t get hold of any lavender sachets you can try making your own lavender spray instead by mixing around 20 drops of lavender essential oil with water and spritzing this in your wardrobe and drawers. For an extra kick you could also add some drops of rosemary essential oil, as this is another strong scent that moths dislike.
Clothing experts also recommend adding a few drops of lavender oil to wool dryer balls and placing them in your wardrobe, or use them in the dryer to infuse your clothes with the scent.
Experts at Pest Control 24 London add: “Lavender and rosemary join forces in this powerful moth-repelling spray. You’ll love the fragrant aroma while keeping your clothes safe from pesky moths.
“Lavender’s well-known for its calming properties, but did you know it’s also a natural insecticide? Its benefits extend beyond relaxation, making it perfect for DIY recipes like this spray. Rosemary, too, is a versatile herb with many uses in natural remedies. Its strong scent effectively keeps moths at bay.
“To create your own lavender and rosemary moth-repelling spray, simply combine 20 drops each of lavender and rosemary essential oils with 1 cup of water in a spray bottle.
“Shake well before each use, and spritz liberally on clothing, linens, and in closets. You can also spray directly on moth-prone areas like carpets and upholstered furniture.”
