Why Do I Keep Finding Moths In My House?
Moths are among the most common household bugs, but that doesn’t mean you have to get used to them. The best way to avoid moths is to understand why you keep finding them in your house. So, what attracts moths inside?
Moths are drawn to the moon and the stars, and artificial lights in and around your house confuse them. That’s why they often swarm toward porch lights and follow you into your home. Dry goods, dog food, and clothing made of natural fibers can also attract moths into your house.
That’s especially true for wool and cashmere clothes, as they contain keratin, which moths eat. Follow along as we explore what attracts moths and highlight some key ways to keep them away.
What Attracts Moths Inside?
1. Light
If you’ve ever walked into your house at night, there’s a good chance you’ve seen moths lingering around your porch light. In nature, moths rely on the stars and the moon to help them find their way and stay on track. It’s widely believed that artificial lights, like the ones on your porch and inside your home, disorient moths at night. That’s why they hover around porch lights and fly indoors toward light sources at night.
Switching bulbs can keep moths, beetles, mosquitoes, and cicadas away. Yellow LED lights are especially good for discouraging moths from entering your house. You don’t need to use yellow LEDs inside your home, however. Instead, use yellow LED lights on your porch and throughout your yard. They look great and can come in handy during the spring and summer when moths are the most active.
2. Nesting Opportunities
Like most insects, moths have specific nesting rituals, and that can explain why they’re in your house. That’s especially true for Indian meal moths, which many people find in their kitchen pantry. These moths are drawn to nuts, flour, grains, and cereal, which many people keep a pantry. Moths lay eggs in these dry goods which are a perfect nesting environment. Sometimes, grains and flour from untrustworthy sources are already tainted with moth eggs or larvae.
This is rare, but it can happen even when using reputable food sources. Keep all your dry food containers airtight to keep moths out of your pantry. You must also be careful about leaving dog and cat food out overnight as moths may lay eggs if the food sits out. It helps to feed your pets on a schedule.
3. Food Sources
It’s no secret that moths feed on clothing. They’re not drawn to your fashion sense, but they love the fibers that make up clothing. Wool, fur, silk, and cashmere contain keratin, which is a protein that moths love. Full synthetic fabrics don’t have keratin, which is why moths typically avoid them. However, you may notice moths feeding on hybrid shirts and jackets that feature natural and synthetic materials.
Moths can lay eggs in the clothes in your closet, creating an endless cycle. Unless you remove the eggs and larvae, the moths may mature and eventually reproduce. The best solution is to deep-clean your closet and vacuum your clothes whenever you find eggs or larvae. Put scents like lavender, thyme, cedar, and eucalyptus in your closet to keep moths away.
4. Easy Entry Points
Sometimes, moths get inside because you left the door open for too long. Moths will continually enter your home if they have easy entry points, such as through the gaps and cracks in doors and windows. Door gaps not only let moths in, but they can also increase your energy bills. That’s because air conditioned or heated air can escape through the crack in your door, so your HVAC system will run more often.
The best way to solve both problems is to install weatherstripping on your entry doors. You can also use door sweeps, which are affordable and easy to use. Otherwise, you can roll up a towel or blanket and place it at the foot of your home’s entry doors. It’s also important to seal gaps in windows with caulk and epoxy putty, or replace the windows altogether.
5. Used Furniture And Clothing
It’s hard to pass on a good deal, especially when you’re trying to save money. However, you must be careful anytime you bring used furniture, appliances, and clothing into your home. Many people donate or sell old clothes and furniture without inspecting them first, and moth larvae can slip through the cracks. In that case, it’s up to you to inspect used items before bringing them home, or else you may wind up with a moth problem.
Moths typically lay eggs in the corners and crevices in clothing and furniture. Pay attention to the pockets and seams on old clothes the next time you visit a thrift store. It’s also important to pull the collar up and check for eggs and larvae. Remove the cushions from old couches and chairs, then inspect the cracks and corners for eggs. This is a good practice with all used items, as brown recluse spiders can also hide in old clothes and furniture.
Do Moths Bite?
Moths don’t bite people, so you don’t need to worry about that. Most moths don’t even have mouths in the traditional sense. The moths that do have mouthparts don’t have traditional pincers or teeth, as they are vestigial. Instead, they have a proboscis, which essentially serves as a straw.
Moths use this organ to consume nectar, and it’s harmless. That said, many people suffer from mottephobia, which is a moth-related phobia. Moths may look scary, but they won’t hurt you.
When Are Moths Most Active?
You will mostly see moths between spring and summer, as that’s when they mate. They typically come out at night to avoid their natural predators, such as birds and spiders. Moths need the moon and the stars at night to help them orient themselves. Moths can stay active all year when they’re inside, unless you get rid of them.
That’s because your house will stay warm during the fall and winter. Your home also has plenty of artificial lights, which can confuse them. Of course, they’ll also stick around if you have a closet full of natural fiber clothes and a pantry full of dry goods.
How To Get Rid Of Moths In Your House
The best way to get rid of moths in your house is to inspect the dry goods in your pantry and discard anything that’s contaminated. If you don't, your problem will continue if moth eggs and larvae remain. You must also inspect your clothing and bedding for eggs and larvae. You don’t need to throw your clothes and bedding away.
Instead, put the contaminated clothes and blankets in a pile and vacuum them. Washing your clothes will kill any remaining eggs and larvae. Some people keep moths away by putting mothballs in their closets, but that can be unhealthy. Mothballs contain naphthalene, which can harm you and your pets. Instead, use natural scents like cedar and lavender to keep moths away.
Summing It Up
If you keep finding moths inside your home, it’s likely because of gaps beneath your doors and around your windows. Sealing those gaps with weatherstripping, door sweeps, and caulk should keep moths outside. It also helps to keep your dry goods and pet food in airtight containers and put bright yellow LEDs near your entry doors.
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Nick Durante is a professional writer with a primary focus on home improvement. When he is not writing about home improvement or taking on projects around the house, he likes to read and create art. He is always looking towards the newest trends in home improvement.
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