Why Do You Need a Moth Trap?
Of course, a moth trap’s one and only function is to keep moths from growing inside your home, but the best moth traps are used to draw the male moths and keep them from mating with the females, which can lead to excessive and quick reproduction of moth larvae all over your house. This is why you really need a moth trap in your home at all times, so that it doesn’t give moths a chance to breed while you aren’t watching.
If you notice the presence of moths in your home every now and then, and you are looking for a long-lasting solution that eliminates them for good, then you need moth traps. Not only do they work effectively in keeping male and female moths apart, but they also have a time period of 3 months in which they are useful against moths.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Moth Trap
Before you go about buying the right moth trap for keeping moths at bay, there are some factors that you should think about, and they will help you choose the right product among the ones that you evaluate. Let’s have a look at the factors one by one.
Type
First and foremost, you need to determine the species of moth that you need to exterminate, because all moths aren’t the same. For instance, there are a lot of differences between pantry moths and clothing moths, and they also have to be treated using separate methods. If you find a moth trap that allows you to kill all species of moths, then it would probably be ineffective at killing all of them.
Therefore, you should look for options that are specifically formulated to keep the right moth species that you want to kill, so that you don’t end up wasting your money for nothing.
Application Method
Once you have locked down the moth species that you want to eliminate from your home, the next step is to consider the application method that the moth trap offers. There are numerous ways in which you can use or apply the moth trap, such as sprays, blocks or balls, or adhesive surfaces that catch male moths and prevent them from escaping or mating with female moths.
There are numerous products that offer various application methods, and you can shortlist products based on this factor.
Odor
Generally, most moth traps that you come across will be quite odorless, since the human nose can’t smell pheromones. However, if you choose moth traps that have other substances included as well, they may have a certain smell that can be quite off-putting. Luckily, there are also some products which have natural scents mixed in with them, such as lavender, cedar, and many others.
Size
The size of the moth trap that you consider buying also plays a major role, since it determines the distance from which male moths will be able to smell the pheromones and come rushing towards the trap. For this purpose, you should consider how big the space is from where the moths fly into your closet or pantry, and it would help you choose the moth trap with the right size.
Shape
The shape of a moth trap has more to do with its effective surface area than anything else. Since most moth traps have an adhesive on them, the shape makes it easier for you to catch a larger amount of male moths before you need to dispose of the trap and place a new one. Ideally, you should opt for a moth trap that utilizes a larger surface area and is effective in trapping more moths.
Price
Last but not least, it is also important for you to consider buying an affordable moth trap, or one that doesn’t cost a lot of money. One thing to remember is that just because a certain product is expensive, it doesn’t mean that it is more effective than a budget-friendly moth trap. Moreover, make sure to choose a reliable brand that is known to produce effective moth traps, even if they are slightly more expensive than other options.
How to Use a Moth Trap?
Using a moth trap to get rid of clothing and pantry moths is quite easy and doesn’t require too much effort or time. Once you have gotten the best moth trap among the many options that we have listed above, you just need to open the package and unfold the triangular trap. The trap is typically made from a piece of paper or cardboard, and is laced with adhesives and pheromone primes, which help in attracting male moths towards the trap.
Next, you just have to place the unfolded moth trap on a counter or inside your pantry or closet. That is all you need to do, and the moth trap will start working its magic in a short while. When the smell of pheromones reaches the male moths, they feel the need to breed and fly towards the source of the smell. In their impulsive action, they get stuck to the adhesive surface and are unable to fly away.
As a result, the male moths are unable to mate with the female species, which causes them to stop laying eggs and stop the reproduction cycle. To make the moth trap more effective, it is best to clean up the area of any existing larvae or moth webs that you may find in your room, pantry, closet, or anywhere in the house.
FAQs
How can I keep moths away for a long time?
Although moth traps are highly effective in keeping male moths at bay, it is more important to keep your kitchen, pantry, or closet clean and free from webs and larvae, no matter where the moths are located. You should clean the area thoroughly before placing a moth trap.
Can airtight containers help to prevent the infestation of moths?
By storing all of your new foods and ingredients in airtight containers or sealed bags, you will be able to prevent moths from getting access to them. As a result, the reproduction of moths will also cease.
Where do I install moth traps?
If you are dealing with clothing moths, then you can get moth traps with hangers that you can place in the closet. Some moth traps are meant to be unfolded and placed on the counter or floor where you have noticed moths.