Woodworms and moths: the best natural remedies for each case

The woodworms are beetle insects which belong to the families of Anobii, Lyctidae and Cerambycidae: their main characteristic consists in the fact that, during the development of the larvae, they feed on woodThe most dangerous are female woodworms, which can lay, on average, more than thirty eggs. Clothes moths, on the other hand, are Lepidoptera belonging to the Tineidae family. There are several species, but these little butterflies have in common the food they love and feed on: natural fabrics like linen, cotton, and silk. There are several industrial products, even expensive ones, that promise reliable results against woodworms and clothes moths, but before resorting to chemicals, with all the side effects that come with them, it's best not to waste money and try some natural remedies. Essential oils, from eucalyptus to lavender, but also Aleppo soap, cinnamon, and white vinegar.

How to keep woodworms and moths away

Woodworms and moths they are the worst enemies of the wooden furniture (the first) and of the clothes (the latter) because they are capable of ruining them in a very short time. While woodworms feed on the wood in which they grow by digging long, winding tunnels, moths instead resemble small butterflies and are the number one enemy of our wardrobes.

From sachets and scented pads to mothballs and camphor, there are many remedies on the market that can repel moths and woodworms. These remedies are certainly effective, but, especially in the case of mothballs, they can sometimes be dangerous, especially if there are children in the home. Not to mention the persistent and rather unpleasant odor that lingers on the skin. Abit, blankets and winter coats.

Here then some simple tips on how prevent the appearance of woodworms and moths in a completely natural and risk-free way:

• To begin with, you know that the eucalyptus Is it particularly unpleasant for woodworms? After soaking a cloth in eucalyptus essence, wipe the furniture surfaces with it, making sure to reach even the most hidden spots.
• If the woodworms have not attacked your furniture but the fruit trees in your garden, you can use the following to eliminate them:garlicSimply grow it around the trunks of the targeted trees to make them disappear. And to protect your furniture, wrap the garlic in cellophane and leave it there for a few days: the problem will be solved.
• A particularly effective natural remedy against moths is instead la cinnamonOpen your cupboards and replace the mothballs with plenty of cinnamon sticks or small bags containing ground cinnamon and other spices such as cloves and bay leaves.
• La lavender essence  It's also proven effective against moths, in essential oil form. Make your own moth repellent by dissolving pieces of old soap in water and pouring the liquid into small molds, to which you'll also add lavender essential oil. Once the molds have hardened, store them in the closet and the moths will disappear.
• An infallible natural remedy against woodworms and moths isessential oil of cedarPrepare a mixture of vodka, water, and cedar oil and apply it to the furniture with a cotton ball. You can also leave the cotton ball soaked in this solution inside the drawers to prolong its effectiveness.
• If your clothes have been attacked by moths, get some cloves Place them in cotton bags and keep them in jacket pockets, so that the fragrance keeps insects away. Or insert the cloves into the peel of an orange: the result is guaranteed. The clove orange is also useful against food moths.

There are scents, or even simply herbs, which are extremely annoying to woodworms and moths. And thanks to this effect, they manage to keep them at bay. We're talking about citrus fruits, lavender, saffron, and patchouli essential oil.

• To prevent the presence of woodworms, wash well drawers in wardrobes with a mixture made up of 250 ml of vinegar in a litre of water and then add 2 tablespoons of dried lavender flowers that you have left to macerate for 24 hours before use.
• For woodworms an excellent remedy is to use a piece of cypress wood, sanded and impregnated with saffron and cedar oil; then cut the branch into small pieces and place it inside the furniture to be treated.
• Moths also go away with the fruits of thehorse chestnut, cut and wrapped in gauze to place in furniture drawers. Alternatively, you can soak baking soda in water, vinegar, and a few drops of jasmine essential oil and then let it dry in the sun. The baking soda, treated in this way, will repel moths, have a disinfectant effect, and will perfume the treated furniture.
• Pour 5 or 6 drops of Patchouli essential oil on a pad and place it in the drawers or wardrobe and you will no longer have the problem of moths.

In addition to natural remedies there are also a series of precautions housewives that will allow you to keep the clothes and blankets stored in the wardrobe intact:

• At the time of change of season, remember to wash your clothes well before placing them in the drawers;
• Use plastic bags and zippered bags to store sweaters, winter jackets and coats;
• If, despite everything, your wardrobe has been attacked by moths then it's time to empty it and wash it thoroughly. Moths attract other moths, so try to disinfect everything thoroughly;
• Finally, if you decide to mend a garment damaged by moths, do not hesitate to wash it well so as to eliminate any traces of any larvae.

Aleppo soap

Necessary

• a few flakes of Aleppo soap

If you notice small holes in your furniture and fixtures, it's a clear sign of wood-boring insects. Try treating them with Aleppo soap Reduced to flakes. This ancient natural soap contains laurel, a plant whose essential oil is distasteful to these beetles. After dusting the furniture, carefully plug the holes with a flake of Aleppo soap.

Vodka and citron

Necessary

• 10 ml of vodka
• 5 ml of water
• 10 ml of cedar essential oil

Method

• Mix the ingredients and dip a cotton ball in them to rub your wooden furniture with.
• In case of cupboards or drawers, you can leave the cotton balls inside them to prolong the anti-woodworm effect and the pleasant scent released by your natural method for defeating these woodworm parasites.

Cinnamon

Necessary

• a teaspoon of ground cinnamon

Method

• just fill the holes left by the parasites with a pinch of cinnamon powderWith this natural method, not only will it be possible to defeat woodworms, but at the same time it will give the house a delicate scent.

White vinegar

Necessary

• a spoonful of white wine vinegar

Method

• Take a spoonful of vinegar Dip a cotton ball in it and rub it over your wooden furniture. Woodworms will be very annoyed by the pungent smell and will no longer consider your furniture desirable.

Read also:

• How to wash wool sweaters and how to recover a felted garment
• When should you change your sheets and linens?
• How to wash clothes in the washing machine without ruining them