Cedar Planks - FAQsUpdated 8 months ago

What do clothes moths look like?

Clothes moths, particularly the webbing clothes moth (Tineola bisselliella) and the casemaking clothes moth (Tinea pellionella), are known for their distinctive appearances, which can help in identifying infestations.

Webbing clothes moth: Adult webbing clothes moths are characterized by their uniform buff color and have a small tuft of reddish hairs on top of their heads. They are generally about 7 mm long. The larvae are creamy-white caterpillars up to 1/2-inch long, which may spin silken tubes or patches of webbing as they move about on the surface of infested materials.

Casemaking clothes moth: These moths are similar in appearance to the webbing clothes moth but have dark specks on their wings. Their larvae are known for enclosing themselves in a portable, open-ended tubular case, dragging it wherever they go. This case is made from silk and fibers from the materials they have fed on.

Clothes moths are often confused with pantry moths and other food moths. To get rid of pantry moths, use Dr. Killigan’s Premium Pantry Moth Traps. For help determining which kind you are dealing with, see Dr Killigan's article on the distinguishing features of these varieties.

What do clothes moths eat?

Clothing moth larvae love anything that contains keratin, which is a protein that the larvae need to grow. This is why they are attracted to natural fibers - materials like wool, silk and fur contain keratin.

To be very specific, moths do not eat anything - their larvae do. So once they reach maturity, they are no longer an immediate danger to your favorite silk scarves. Instead, they are busy mating and laying eggs.

Where do clothes moths hide in my home?

Clothing moths prefer dark, undisturbed areas to feed, making stored or rarely used items more susceptible to damage. Synthetic fibers and cotton are less likely to be targeted unless they're mixed with animal fibers or are dirty.

They are known to hide in various places around the home, including in wardrobes, closets, drawers, chests and storage boxes; behind furniture; underneath carpets; in upholstered furniture; and in vents and ducts.

To reduce your risk of infestation, keep these areas clean, regularly pull out and air stored items and use moth deterrents like Dr. Killigan’s Cedar Planks. For valuable items, consider storing them in sealed containers or garment bags, along with a deterrent. Regular vacuuming and dusting can also help remove eggs and larvae from hidden corners.

Do Dr. Killigan’s Cedar Planks kill moths?

Cedar Planks—specifically the oil and wood from the Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana) that the Cedar Planks are made of—are proven to have moth-repelling qualities that repel clothes moths. They do not, however, kill them.

Cedar's effectiveness against moths stems from the compounds within the wood, giving off a strong scent that deters moths and other insects. The main action of Cedar Planks in moth prevention is to mask the scent of keratin, a moth's natural target.

Cedar is valued not only for its moth-repelling properties but also as a natural, safer alternative to chemical moth repellents like mothballs, which can pose health risks to humans and pets.

How do I get rid of Clothes Moths?

Getting rid of clothing moths can be a challenge; we are here to help! Dr. Killigan's Clothes Moth Traps use potent pheromones to lure and capture the moths, thus interrupting the reproduction cycle.

Identify infested areas: Begin by determining where in your home the moths are most active. Clothes moths often target areas where natural fibers are stored, such as closets, wardrobes and drawers.

Install the traps as per the provided instructions, focusing on areas with high moth activity. Regularly inspect the traps, replacing them every three months or sooner if they fill up. Consistently checking the traps and maintaining a clean home and clothing storage spaces will help keep moths at bay.

Supplement with cleaning: While the traps work to capture adult moths, enhance your control efforts by thoroughly cleaning and vacuuming the affected areas. Launder or dry clean infested clothing, and consider freezing items that cannot be washed to kill any larvae or eggs.

For more in-depth instructions, check out THIS ARTICLE!