What attracts moths insects that play a vital role in the ecosystem as pollinators and valuable food sources for wildlife. However, they can be a nuisance at home as their larvae feed on fabrics leaving holes in clothes and foodstuffs. Typically, moths are attracted to outdoor lighting but they also enter homes through open windows, cracks in the building, chimneys and even hitchhiking on used clothing and furniture.
Pantry moths and clothes moths are two of the most common types to get into homes. After moths are drawn to exterior lights, they slip into the house through open doors or windows and then head straight to the pantry, where they can hide in bread, flour, cereal, dried nuts, processed products and pasta. Clothes moths can lay eggs in rugs and other furniture and also hide in bags, suitcases and trinket boxes.
Moth Magnets: Understanding What Attracts Moths to Your Home
While a general porch light can attract moths, you can get better results by using other kinds of lighting such as a white sheet and a torch. Peg the sheet to a washing line, turn off other nearby lights and shine a torch on the sheet at various angles to see who flits to it. Repeat this test at different times of the night to see which light attracts moths the most.
Keeping your pantry and other areas well-stocked with fresh, sealed food items is the best way to prevent moths from entering your home. Swap wood clothes hangers for cedar ones, use scented oils such as thyme, rosemary or bay leaves to scent wardrobes and store food and use pheromone traps to kill moths when they are present.