Ways to Kill Moths
- Exposing moths to extremely low temperatures is an effective method to kill them. Wrap infested fabrics in plastic bags and place them in the freezer for three to four days. Do not attempt the same thing with infested food, as you obviously won't eat anything containing dead insects. The extreme temperatures of the freezer will kill all adult and larva moths, as well as eggs. Remove the clothes from the freezer and shake them to remove the insects.
- Wash clothes in hot water, making sure the water's temperature is above 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Check each item's tag to ensure you can expose it to hot water first. Otherwise, you risk ruining clothes which either need dry cleaning -- another method of killing moths -- or lower water temperatures. The process is much quicker than freezing clothes, as you only need to put them in the washing machine or hand-wash them for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Send items you cannot wash to the dry cleaner. Periodic dry cleaning is one of the most effective ways to control moths, according to the University of California. Another way to exterminate moths is by ironing infested clothes. Ironing exposes eggs and larvae of clothes moths to extreme temperatures, which -- in a similar fashion to hot water -- kills the insects. Washing in hot water and then ironing your clothes can guarantee a moth-free wardrobe.
- If you want an instant solution to the problem, you can use commercially available products to kill the insects. Such products include sprays you can use on infested clothes or areas, as well as moth traps. The traps are hanging units you place in your wardrobe which attract and kill moths. Do not use general pesticides for the job; check if the product is designed to kill common clothes moths and brown house moths before buying.