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Six things that attract moths in your wardrobe

Kateryna Dutik

Six things that attract moths in your wardrobe
Six things that attract moths in your wardrobe

Pest experts have talked about things that will become a magnet for moths. But you can avoid this by knowing a few useful tips.

At the larval stage, these insects feed on animal fibers, such as wool, cashmere, fur, silk. Therefore, you need to keep them out of your space, writes Best Life.

Read also: What to do to keep mold off your walls and how to get rid of it

1- Clothes you never wear. Mildew chooses dark places that you rarely reach. They tend to attack stored and unused items over a long period of time.

Entomologist Scott Hodges noted that limiting the storage of things can be helpful. If you can't reduce storage, you can thoroughly clean, vacuum, and reduce clutter in storage areas several times a year. This way, there will be fewer hiding places for moths. He recommends storing clothes in airtight bags.

2. Tightly folded clothes. When clothes are tightly folded, air can't circulate properly, creating a dark and damp environment that is attractive to moths. Disinfector Rich Mullins explained that this environment is ideal for moths to lay eggs and reproduce.

Hang your belongings loosely enough that there is some space between clothing items, and don't try to stack a ton of stuff on each shelf. Again, regularly sorting through your stuff to see what you wear and what can be donated somewhere will make a world of difference.

3- Unwashed secondhand clothes. According to Hodges, moths aren't a common problem in modern homes, which means you're more likely to face an infestation if you accidentally bring the pests home.

Thus, one of the biggest cleanliness mistakes people make that attracts moths is simply not washing used clothing, furniture, rugs, blankets, and other items made of textiles as soon as you bring them into your home.

4. Dirty laundry. Those overflowing piles of laundry on the floor can act as a moth buffet, as can pet hair, which is another food source.

"Make sure you regularly clean any clothing or furniture that your pet may be shedding on," Hodges advised. You may also want to clean the bottom of the hamper and closet crevices where dust and pet hair can accumulate.

5. Natural fabrics. Natural fibers like wool, cashmere, fur and silk are popular with many people, and, well, moths like them, too.

"These materials provide moths with the nutrients they need to reproduce in the larval stage," Mullins explained.

Additionally, synthetic materials like polyester and nylon are less attractive to pests because they lack nutrients and organic matter. It doesn't mean you need to avoid natural fibers completely, but just make sure you keep them clean or store them in airtight bags.

6. Other pests. If your closet has had other pest problems, moths may find it particularly attractive because they can feed on nesting materials and  their corpses.

Take steps to keep pests out of your home, such as keeping the room clear of food waste, sealing possible entrances, and minimizing clutter in your house.

Recall that social media is actively discussing a new lifehack that promises to get rid of unpleasant odor from the washing machine and leave it smelling fresh and fresh.

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