Mothballs are made from paradichlorobenzene and can cause all kinds of health problems including damage to liver and kidneys. They’re especially hazardous to children if swallowed–and they don’t smell all that good either.

Here are a few ideas for alternative, natural moth repellents:

• Dried lavender
• Cloves (see How To Make A Clove Apple)
• Rosemary
• Mint
• Thyme
• Cinnamon sticks
• Eucalyptus
• Peppercorns
• Dried lemon peel
• Cedar (chips, balls, planks or essential oil–cedar lined closets, drawers or trunks)

You can make sachets to stash in drawers, trunks or hang in closets out of pretty cotton fabrics, plain cheesecloth, muslin, linen or clean nylons (knee highs or cut pantyhose).

Moth Repellent Sachet Recipes:

• 50/50 rosemary and mint
• 1 part dried lavender, 1 part rosemary, 1/2 part dried lemon peel, 1 TBS cloves
• 1 part whole cloves, 1 part whole peppercorns, 2 - 4 cinnamon sticks broken in pieces
• 1 part dried lavender, 1 part dried lemon peel, 1 broken cinnamon stick
• 1 part cedar shavings, 1 part thyme
• 1 part peppermint, 1 part spearmint, 1 part rosemary, 1/2 part thyme

You can mix and match your own recipes, or just use 100% one ingredient if you like. Replace sachets with fresh ones annually. The stronger the fragrance, the better it repels moths.

To help protect your clothes and linens from the attention of moths, make sure items are laundered and clean before storing away. It also helps to seal items in plastic if possible.

If you know moths have discovered your storage area, kill larvae by dry cleaning, freezing cloth items for a few days or wash then tumble in the dryer on high heat (if possible). Clean the storage area thoroughly before using again.

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Posted in Homemade Cleaners, Household | ( 1 )