6 Candles Scents That Moths Hate (And How To Use Them)
HatCandles are a popular decorative and functional item in many households, offering ambiance, relaxation, and unique scents. Among their numerous uses, some candles can also serve a practical purpose – keeping moths away.
Moths can be a nuisance, causing damage to clothing, upholstery, and other fabrics. A natural and effective solution to repel these pesky insects is using candle scents they dislike.
Candle scents work as an effective moth deterrent due to their strong aromas which overwhelm and confuse the moth’s sense of smell. By choosing scented candles with specific fragrances, you can create an environment that is less attractive to moths while adding a pleasant ambiance to your living space.
In this article, we’ll delve into why candle scents can be a moth’s worst enemy and how you can strategically use them around your home.
Key Takeaways:
- Candle scents can be an effective natural method for repelling moths
- Understanding moth behavior and scents they dislike can help drive them away
- Creative ways of using scented candles can enhance your home’s ambiance and protect it from a moth infestation
Why Moths Are Attracted To Our Homes
Moths are pesky insects that can cause damage in homes, especially when they infest clothes or pantry areas. They lay eggs, which then hatch into larvae and become destructive to fabrics and food products.
Let’s explore the impact of these creatures and the importance of keeping them away with candle scents.
Impact of Moth Infestation
Moth infestations come in two common varieties: clothes moths and pantry moths. While their lifecycles are similar, the types of damage they cause differ.
- Clothes moths target textiles made from natural fibers, such as wool, silk, and fur. Larvae feeding on these materials can result in holes and other significant damage, ruining your valuable clothing and personal items.
- Pantry moths infest stored food products, such as grains, cereals, and pet food. As the moth larvae feed, they contaminate the food with their excrement and webbing, which is both unsightly and potentially harmful.
When it comes to moth control, prevention is key. Using scented candles containing natural repellents can deter moths from entering your living spaces and protect your belongings from their unwanted attention.
An article from the Journal of Insects found that many essential oil scents have the potential to repel moths. The study focused on lavender, cinnamon, and eucalyptus. During the study, cinnamon was found to be the most potent deterrent of moths.
Moths, like many other insects, rely heavily on their sense of smell to navigate their environment and locate food. By introducing candle scents that are unpleasant to moths, you can encourage them to look elsewhere for sustenance. This helps to prevent infestations and keep your clothes and pantry items safe.
Using Candle Scents To Keep Moths Away
In this section, we’ll discuss why candle scents work against moths and provide you with ten scents that moths hate, as well as some handy tips!
Cinnamon: This warm spice is not only great for baking but also for keeping moths at bay! Simply create or purchase cinnamon-scented candles and light them around your home to deter those annoying moths. Try Yankee Candle Sparkling Cinnamon Scented candle.
Citronella: Citronella oil is a famous mosquito repellent and guess what? It’s also helpful in repelling moths! Look for citronella-scented candles to enjoy a moth-free environment. TIKI 28 Ounce Citronella Wax Candle is a great way to keep moths away.
Lavender: Moths despise the soothing fragrance of lavender. Light up lavender-infused candles like Dianne’s Custom Lavender Candle around your living space to keep these pests away.
Eucalyptus: The refreshing scent of eucalyptus is another one that moths hate. Burning eucalyptus-scented candles is an excellent way to repel these pesky insects. Use essential oils such as NaturoBliss Pure Natural Undiluted Eucalyptus Essential Oil to make your own eucalyptus candle!
Peppermint: The invigorating smell of peppermint is a wonderful moth repellent. Burning peppermint-scented candles not only deters moths but also adds a delightful fragrance to your home. It’s a win-win situation! Try out Our Own Candle Company Soy Wax Aromatherapy Candle, Simply Peppermint for a minty fresh moth-repelling scent.
Lemongrass: Just like mosquitoes, moths cannot stand the scent of lemongrass. Burn lemongrass-scented candles to keep your home moth-free. Give Lulu Candles Wild Lemongrass a try to watch the moths fly in the opposite direction.
These scents repel moths because their strong fragrances interfere with the moth’s sense of smell, making it difficult for them to locate food sources and mates. Hence, they prefer to stay away from areas filled with these scents.
To make the most of these moth-repelling candle scents, here are six creative ways to use them around your home:
- Group them around your windows: Moths often invade your home through open windows, so placing scented candles near your windows can help keep them from entering in the first place.
- Place them near potential food sources: As moths are attracted to certain food items like grains or fabrics, lighting your candles near these sources can help deter them.
- Illuminate at dusk: Moths are generally more active during the evening. Lighting your candles during this time will maximize the effects.
- Create an outdoor barrier:If you’re enjoying a nice evening outside, light some candles on your patio or deck to create a shield that prevents moths from entering your home.
- Combine multiple scents: Try burning multiple moth-repelling candles in the same area to create a stronger barrier against those pesky insects.
- Create a centerpiece: Arrange scented candles at the center of your dinner table to not only make a lovely display but also to protect your food from moth invasions.
Remember, while these scented candles are effective in repelling moths, the best way to prevent an infestation is to maintain a clean and well-organized home.
Preventing and Handling Moth Infestations
Preventing moth infestations in your home can be an important step to maintaining a clean and fresh environment. Using candle scents that repel moths is a natural, effective method to keep these pesky insects at bay. Moths dislike certain fragrances, which can deter them from invading your living spaces.
One example of a moth-repelling scent is lavender. Lavender sachets and cedar bags are great options for keeping your home moth-free. Using candles with lavender scent can both provide a pleasant aroma and help ward off these unwanted pests.
In addition to scented candles, maintaining a clean home is crucial for preventing moth infestations. Regularly vacuuming carpets, upholstery, and floors can limit the areas where moths lay their eggs. Washing fabrics in a washing machine and using storage bags for seasonally unused clothing may reduce the likelihood of infestation.
Your furniture and closets can benefit from added protection using SLA Cedar Scented Spray. This product is specifically designed to repel moths and safeguard your belongings. Applying this spray to frequently used storage spaces is a simple way to strengthen your moth prevention efforts.
When storing food items, airtight containers can help deter moths from attempting to feast on your pantry contents. Transferring dry goods like flour, cereal, and pasta to these containers provides an extra layer of security. In some cases, placing infested food items in the freezer for a few days can kill moth eggs and larvae, stopping the infestation in its tracks.
Implementing these practices in conjunction with scented candles can, over time, significantly reduce the risk of moth infestations. However, if you still find yourself struggling with a persistent moth problem, consider consulting a pest control company for professional assistance. Our nationwide pest control finder can connect you with a pest professional in your local area.
Natural Ways to Repel Moths
Candles can be a fantastic and natural way to repel moths! Certain scents from essential oils tend to irritate those pesky little moths.
Here are the best natural moth-repellent scents and how to use them:
Scent | Ways to Repel Moths | Best Place to Put Repellents |
---|---|---|
Lavender | Place dried lavender sachets in drawers and closets, or hang fresh lavender bundles in closets. | In drawers and closets where clothing and linens are stored. |
Rosemary | Place dried rosemary sprigs in drawers and closets, or hang fresh rosemary bundles in closets. | In drawers and closets where clothing and linens are stored. |
Peppermint | Place peppermint essential oil on cotton balls and place them in drawers and closets, or hang fresh peppermint bundles in closets. | In drawers and closets where clothing and linens are stored. |
Lemon | Place lemon peels in drawers and closets, or use lemon essential oil on cotton balls and place them in drawers and closets. | In drawers and closets where clothing and linens are stored. |
Cinnamon | Place cinnamon sticks in drawers and closets, or sprinkle cinnamon powder on shelves and in corners. | In drawers and closets where clothing and linens are stored, or in corners and on shelves in the room where moth activity is observed. |
Bay Leaves | Place bay leaves in drawers and closets, or sprinkle bay leaf powder on shelves and in corners. | In drawers and closets where clothing and linens are stored, or in corners and on shelves in the room where moth activity is observed. |
Citronella | Place citronella essential oil on cotton balls and place them in drawers and closets. | In drawers and closets where clothing and linens are stored. |
Lastly, let’s consider rice! Yes, you read that correctly. Citronella, lemon balm, or peppermint oil can be added to rice to create a fantastic moth-repelling mixture. Place this aromatic rice under your furniture or inside your closet for an added layer of moth protection.
Using Cedar Scents To Repel Clothes Moths
In addition to candles, there are other products made of cedar and infused with essential oils that can be effective for moth prevention.
One of those items is Homode Cedar Blocks. These practical blocks are made from 100% natural cedar and can be placed in your shelves, drawers, and closets to keep moths at bay. The natural cedar scent is strong enough to deter moths without endangering your home environment or your clothes!
Besides Homode Cedar Blocks, there are other specific products like cedar hangers and sachets that you can use to safeguard your wardrobe.
That’s All For Now!
Candle scents can provide a pleasant aroma to your home while also helping to keep moths at bay. It’s important to understand why moths are repelled by certain scents and how to use them effectively.
Let’s review the science behind using scented candles as a natural moth-repellent method.
Moths tend to stay away from strong-smelling scents because they interfere with their ability to locate food sources. As a result, certain candle scents can confuse and deter these unwanted pests. The use of scented candles offers an unobtrusive, enjoyable, and effective way of dealing with moths in your home.
Utilizing scented candles to repel moths can be done in various creative ways, including:
- Placing candles near entry points where moths may enter your home, such as doors and windows.
- Using candles with multiple scents to create a more potent barrier against moths.
- Arrange candles strategically throughout your living space to establish a pleasant aroma coverage while keeping moths at bay.
- Combining scented candles with other natural repellents to enhance their effectiveness in repelling moths.
- Choosing seasonal scents to keep your home smelling fresh, while also addressing your moth problem all year round.
- Incorporating candle scents into your regular cleaning routine to maintain an ongoing barrier against moths.
Remember, it’s important to choose the right scents that are effective in repelling moths. Selecting high-quality candles made from natural ingredients may be a wise choice.
Overall, scented candles offer a pleasant, natural, and efficient way to keep moths away from your home. By understanding the science behind this method, incorporating creative strategies, and focusing on a consistent approach, you can successfully maintain a moth-free environment and enjoy the pleasant aroma of your chosen scents.
Zack is a Nature & Wildlife specialist based in Upstate, NY, and is the founder of his Tree Journey and Pest Pointers brands. He has a vast experience with nature while living and growing up on 50+ acres of fields, woodlands, and a freshwater bass pond. Zack has encountered many pest situations over the years and has spent his time maintaining and planting over 35 species of trees since his youth with his family on their property.
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