Why does cedar keep moths away




















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However, the most effective measure to prevent moth infestation is lining your cupboards with cedar oil. Cedar contains natural oils and a strong odor that repels moths. The use of cedarwood oil in cosmetics and perfumes to repel insects originates way back to ancient Egypt. These days, cedarwood oil is derived from Juniperus virginiana , a coniferous evergreen known as Eastern Red Cedar. Like most oils, cedar oil is also volatile in nature and is only effective as a moth repellant while the scent lasts.

In order to keep moths in check, you need to revive the potency of cedar by replacing cedar balls, strips, sprays, or chips every six months. You can also purchase cedar wood hangers and trunks that can protect your clothing.

Considering the effect cedar oil has on moths, one may wonder if having cedar trees in the vicinity of your home can help repel moths too. The answer is — yes, cedar trees do repel moths. Cedarwood is considered to be a natural insect repellant owing to the aromatic scent it emits. In fact, people are using cedarwood in building materials and household products due to its durability, strength, and moth-repelling nature.

Here's what to know about dealing with-and preventing-moths around your home. If you see moths flying in your house, they probably aren't clothes moths, but pantry pests-the type that infests flour and grains. Clothes moths don't like light and are so secretive that you'll probably never see them. What's more, the adult moths won't do any harm.

Damage to woolens is actually done by the larvae of two types of insects: clothes moths and carpet beetles the latter being more prevalent than moths in most areas of the country. Both insects lay eggs in secluded spots with plenty of food-wool, fur, down, shed pet dander , and other animal-based materials. Larvae emerge within a few weeks; beetle larvae can feed on fabric for a year or more and moth larvae may cause damage for a couple of months. Synthetic fabrics such as polyester and rayon are rarely attacked unless blended with wool, or if they are dirty.

Larvae may also infest carpet edges, upholstered furniture, and air ducts where they feed on lint and pet hair. Damage may consist of irregular holes. Moth and beetle larvae shun bright light, so they rarely attack frequently worn clothing or heavily trafficked carpets.

They thrive in clothing that is packed away and sections of carpet that's hidden under furniture, especially if there are food spills or other attractive scents. The best strategy? Be sure to keep things clean. Weekly use of the vacuum and general good housekeeping go a long way toward keeping pests at bay. If you clean often, you may remove them without even knowing it. Vacuuming also removes moth eggs and larvae from carpets before they have the opportunity to hatch.

Before you pack up winter clothing for storage , wash or dry-clean garments that have been worn. This rids them of moth and beetle eggs and also eliminates perspiration remnants and food spills, which attract and nourish pests.

Moths and beetles don't eat items made of synthetic or cotton fabrics, but you should clean those, too , if you store them with woolens. If you have winter coats you haven't worn, you probably won't want to pay for dry cleaning just to guard against eggs that might have been deposited on them. Yet if you store them as is, you risk an infestation. In this case, try an old-fashioned but effective regimen: Take the items outside on a sunny day and brush them vigorously, especially under collars and along seams.

This should remove eggs and larvae, which are so small, you probably won't be able to see them. In case you miss a few of the pests or their eggs, pack this clothing separately from laundered or dry-cleaned items. Moths and beetles can get through extremely tight spaces. When storing woolens, resealable plastic bags or plastic boxes are best for keeping pests out. To protect the items from condensation, wrap them in lengths of clean cotton, and store.

Take care in using plastic containers for long-term storage-years rather than months—as they do not allow the items to breathe, and some plastics may degrade fabric over time. If storing valuable items, consult with a professional textile conservator for recommendations. The dark-colored heartwood of red cedar contains natural oils that help kill clothes-moth larvae, but this alone won't protect clothing. It's not effective against carpet beetles, and, with moths, it kills only young larvae, not older ones or eggs.

The effect also fades as the scent does. You can replenish the scent of boards, closets, and chests by sanding the wood lightly or dabbing on cedar oil, but there is no way to know if you've added enough. If you have a cedar chest, it's best to think of it as a reasonably airtight storage container-and only keep clean fabric inside it. Again, wrap items in clean cotton before storing them.

Mothball and moth crystals can thwart infestations but come with many drawbacks, so you're probably better off without them. Both products contain pesticides that can be harmful to people, unborn babies, and pets. Since mothballs and moth crystals work by releasing fumigant gas, they must be used in tight-fitting containers, rather than in closets or drawers, to be effective. If you do use these products, keep containers out of your living area-in a garage, perhaps. And air out clothing thoroughly outside before wearing it or hanging it in your closet again dry cleaning won't eliminate the mothball odor.

Using lavender to repel clothes moths is another old homemaker's trick. They will also leave a pleasant scent behind. Lavender will not, however, kill moth eggs or larvae, so be sure the space is free of them first. What if you already have clothes or carpet pests? Here are some tips for identifying the bugs you are dealing with, getting rid of them , and then salvaging your woolen items. You won't likely see clothes moths, but if you find holes, you know you have a problem.

With moth larvae, you may find silky webbing or cigar-like cocoons. Beetle larvae leave dried skins-like tiny rice grains. To get rid of an infestation, start by removing and treating all infested material. You might throw away the most damaged clothing. Dry-clean or launder items you keep; freezing also eradicates pests: Put items in sealed plastic bags, squeeze out air and freeze for a few days. Cedar-lined storage chests and closets have long been used for long-term storage of out-of-season clothing, in the belief that the cedar will deter moths from destroying the clothing.

The damage moths cause to natural fibers is caused not by the moth itself, but by the larvae that hatch out of the eggs the moth lays.

Cedar has a strong smell, which might hide the odor of wool , but some forms may also kill the larvae over time. The heavy scent of the cedar is thought to mask the smell of wool, effectively hiding it from the moth seeking a home for her eggs.

That is, it doesn't repel moths so much as it camouflages the moth's natural target.



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