When it comes to protecting valuable items like clothing and pantry goods from moth damage, combining attractants and repellents is an optimal strategy. Each method plays a distinct role in safeguarding your belongings, from attracting and trapping adult moths to repelling them from sensitive areas.
The role of repellents: Cedarwood
Repellents like cedarwood are highly effective for keeping adult moths at a distance. The natural oils in aromatic cedar—such as thujaplicins—produce a distinct fragrance that moths find unpleasant. When placed strategically around areas you wish to protect (closets, drawers and storage chests), cedarwood products create an inhospitable environment for moths. Dr. Killigan’s Cedar Planks, Cedar Ward Spray and Cedar Chip Canisters help keep adult moths away from fabrics, which helps prevent egg-laying and potential infestations.
Tip: It’s the larvae, not the adult moths, that damage fabrics. These tiny caterpillars feed on keratin-rich fibers like cashmere, wool and silk. Adult moths don’t eat fabric—in fact, some don’t even have mouths—so keeping them away from your clothing prevents future larvae and the damage they bring.
Additional insight
Cedarwood oil, extracted from red cedar heartwood, has shown pest control abilities beyond repelling moths. In studies, it effectively kept ants away from food sources outdoors and, at higher doses, killed black-legged tick nymphs. Research also shows that cedar significantly repels cockroaches and firebrats, a type of silverfish. Its powerful component, cedrol, highlights cedarwood oil’s eco-friendly potential for deterring various pests, making it ideal for storage solutions where cockroaches, silverfish and other insects can also be an issue.
How attractants work: Pheromone traps
While repellents keep moths at bay, attractants—like Dr. Killigan’s Clothing Moth Traps—serve to capture adult male moths, disrupting their reproductive cycle. Pheromone traps release a scent that mimics the female moth’s natural pheromones, luring in the males and trapping them. This targeted approach prevents mating and the subsequent egg-laying by female moths, effectively lowering the likelihood of a moth infestation.
A two-pronged strategy for maximum effectiveness
Using both repellents and attractants together offers dual protection:
- Repel adult moths with cedarwood: Cedar’s scent deters adult moths from laying eggs near your clothing or food, helping to protect keratin-rich fabrics like wool, silk and cashmere, which moth larvae are particularly drawn to.
- Trap and reduce the moth population with pheromone traps: By capturing male moths, pheromone traps prevent fertilization, reducing the number of larvae that can hatch and damage your fabrics.
Tips for effective placement
To maximize the effectiveness of this combined approach, placement is key:
- Cedarwood products: Position Cedar Planks on clothing rods and place Cedar Canisters on shelves close to fabrics, especially in dark, undisturbed spaces—like closets and drawers to which moths are naturally drawn.
- Pheromone traps: Place pheromone traps several feet away from cedar products, ideally near the perimeter of the protected area. Cedarwood emits a scent that can repel moths, so keeping the traps at a distance allows them to lure moths more effectively without interference from cedar’s repellent properties. This perimeter placement allows moths to encounter the pheromone scent first, drawing them into the trap before they come close enough to be deterred by the cedar wood.
For optimal results, apply Cedar Ward spray every 45–90 days to refresh its aroma and efficacy, as cedar oil dissipates over time.
Additional prevention tips
Using airtight containers, particularly for long-term storage, is highly effective in keeping moths away from fabrics. Regularly handling and brushing stored items—especially wool or fur—during warmer months helps prevent larvae from settling. For added protection, keep stored items in areas with good ventilation and natural light, as moths prefer dark, undisturbed spaces and will not lay eggs where this environment is not found.
To maximize effectiveness, ensure proper spacing for Cedar Planks, Cedar Canisters, and Clothing Moth Traps, as noted. If results are lacking, adjust the placement to better balance their repellent and attractant effects.
Tip: For optimal placement, experiment with slight adjustments. If moths continue to appear around your fabrics, try moving the traps closer to entry points—like closet doors or areas where you notice moth activity. Cedar products—including the canisters and planks—should stay near your clothing or storage items to repel moths at close range while the traps work to attract and capture them from a slight distance.
Conclusion
Combining repellents and attractants offers the best defense against clothing moths. Cedarwood products repel moths, keeping adults from depositing eggs, while pheromone traps capture male moths, breaking the reproductive cycle. Together, these tools offer a comprehensive, eco-friendly solution for preserving your clothing and valuables, free from the damaging effects of moths.
