Moth Control Kits

Contents vary by kit and each product page lists exactly what is included - typically a pheromone trap to locate and monitor the problem, a spray to treat the storage area or fabric, and gloves. The reason they come together is that they do different jobs: the trap brings the adult population down and shows you where the moths are concentrated, the spray deals with the larvae doing the damage.

Because each solves half the problem. A pheromone trap draws adult males onto a sticky board, reducing the number available to mate and disrupting breeding - but the damage is done by larvae in fabric or dry goods, and no trap reaches those. The spray treats the place the larvae are living. Read our honest answer on whether moth traps work.

Identify first, because pheromone lures are species-specific. Holes in wool, cashmere, silk or carpet, with fine webbing or gritty droppings, means clothes moths. Webbing or small larvae in flour, cereal, rice, nuts or dried fruit means pantry moths. Buying the wrong lure means the trap catches nothing and you learn nothing from it.

Trap first, so you know which room and which cupboard. Empty that space, then wash affected garments hot or seal and freeze them at -18C for two weeks, or bin the infested dry goods. Treat the empty storage area with the spray and let it dry fully. Put everything back, and leave the trap running so you can see catches falling.

The kits pair non-toxic pheromone traps with sprays that do contain an insecticide, so treat each part on its own terms. Site traps out of reach - the adhesive is a nuisance on fur and fingers. For the spray, follow the label directions, keep children and pets out of the room while you treat and until surfaces are dry, and ventilate afterwards.

A lure lasts several months, with the exact figure stated on the pack - follow that and note the date you opened it. Replace sooner if the board fills or gets dusty. Keep spare traps sealed in the wrapper until needed, because the lure starts working the moment it is opened.

Activity returning after a full treatment usually means a second source that was never found. For clothes moths, check the loft, felt underlay, carpet beneath heavy furniture, and any bag of winter knitwear packed away unwashed. For pantry moths, check pet food and birdseed as well as the food cupboard. Our guide has ten ways to stop moths eating clothes.