By Harrison Lowell, Dr. Killigan's
Cedar planks are one of the most commoditized products in closet care — dozens of near-identical multi-packs on Amazon, most unbranded, most silent on what kind of cedar you're actually getting. Dr. Killigan's Cedar Planks use American natural red cedar, harvested locally and sustainably in the U.S. — sourcing that produces a distinct, stronger scent than planks that arrive after months in an overseas shipping container.
At a glance
| Cedar Planks (Dr. Killigan's) | HOUNDSBAY 36-pack | ACMETOP Cedar Blocks | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $24.97 / 10 planks ($2.50/plank) | $19.97 / 36 planks ($0.55/plank) | $18.99 / 15 blocks ($1.27/block) |
| Cedar species/sourcing named? | Yes — American red cedar, U.S. sustainably harvested | No | No |
| Rating | 4.9★ | 4.1★ | 4.2★ |
| Non-toxic? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
What actually makes cedar last
Almost every competitor in this specific category — HOUNDSBAY, ACMETOP, ESRICH, Cedar Space, the generic 40-and-56-packs — sells at a fraction of the per-plank price, but none of the listings in this research specified species or country of origin. That's the gap Dr. Killigan's sourcing claim fills: American red cedar specifically, harvested locally, which the brand states produces both a more distinct scent and a longer-lasting one than planks that have spent time in overseas shipping and warehouse stock before reaching a shelf.
It's also worth knowing that cedar's scent is renewable, not permanent, on any brand's planks — lightly sanding the surface when the smell fades exposes fresh aromatic wood underneath, which extends the life of any real cedar plank, generic or not.
The honest trade-off
Multi-packs from HOUNDSBAY, Cedar Space, and others cost a fraction as much per plank — some as low as $0.32–$0.55 versus $2.50. If you just want more surface area of cedar in a closet for the lowest price, those are legitimate options; this research found no equivalent sourcing claim behind any of them, but that doesn't mean the wood itself is inferior, just less specified.
Why trust Dr. Killigan's: Dr. Killigan's is the original natural pest control company, and every product is developed with practicing biologists and entomologists, then evaluated repeatedly in Dr. Killigan's own labs. "Natural" isn't the finish line. Proven is.
FAQ
Do cedar planks actually repel clothes moths?
Cedar's aromatic oils are a natural moth deterrent, though the effect fades as the scent fades — refreshing the surface (light sanding) or replacing planks periodically maintains the repellent effect.
What's the difference between cedar planks and cedar blocks?
Mostly shape and surface area — planks tend to offer more exposed surface for scent to disperse across a hanging rod or drawer.
How often should I sand cedar planks to refresh the scent?
Every few months, or whenever the scent has noticeably faded — a light sanding exposes fresh aromatic wood.
Why does sourcing matter for cedar?
Fresher, domestically-harvested cedar generally retains more of its aromatic oils by the time it reaches you than cedar that's spent months in transit and storage.
Bottom line
Cheaper multi-packs exist if surface-area-per-dollar is the goal. If you want cedar that's specified — species and sourcing named, not just "natural aromatic cedar" — this is one of the few products in the category that says so.
Related reading
- Best Smelling Cedar Blocks for Your Closet
- Clothing Moth Traps vs. Mothballs: The Non-Toxic Alternative That Actually Works
- How to Get Rid of Pantry Moths Naturally
Featured in this article
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Cedar Planks (10 Pack) - Premium Clothing Moth Repellent – 100% Natural Protection
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