Knowledgebase
How do I control clothes moths. #903909
Asked June 02, 2025, 11:03 AM EDT
Dear Sir/Madam:
I have been trying to deal with an infestation of clothing moths in my apartment for several years. Initially, a professional firm attempted to handle the problem with clothing moth traps and an insecticide that contained pyrethrins. At one point, we thought that the problem had been solved when there were no moths in the traps for two months. They returned however, and the traps now take two or three moths per week.
Currently we are handling the problem ourselves with:
1. SLA an insecticide containing Pyrethins,
2. “Dr Killigans Six Feet Under”, which consists of essential oils (soy bean oil, cinnamon oil, clove oil, and plant-based sodium laury sulfate)
3. Traps.
We use the SLA in places where hopefully, there won’t be any contacts with humans or our cat. The manufacturers of “Six Feet Under” claim their product presents less danger to humans and animals.
I have three questions: 1. Is it safe for us or our cat to continue with SLA long term. 2. Is “Six Feet Under” effective applied alone. 3. Can you recommend any other insecticides or methods we might try. FYI, Our apartment building is fairly old, pre-WWI, and offers more hiding places for moths than a newer building would.
Thank you and Regards
Larry Specht
District of Columbia County District of Columbia
Expert Response
Thank you for reaching out with your question--
Dealing with a clothing moth infestation is a bit outside of the guidance we typically provide, but I can provide you with some information about pyrethrins and the other insecticide you're using.
The National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) has a helpful fact sheet here: https://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/pyrethrins.html.
They note that "In general, pyrethrins are low in toxicity to people and other mammals. However, if it gets on your skin, it can be irritating. It can also cause tingling or numbness at the site of contact." That being said, pyrethrins can be dangerous for cats (while it is sometimes used in flea and tick medicine for dogs, its use on cats is counterindicated).
Your oil-based insecticide will probably not be enough alone to control a moth infestation since it will only kill moths, larvae, or eggs that are directly sprayed. It will not eliminate any eggs that are hidden.
I would also just note that the NPIC does have cautions around the use of mothballs, so, in terms of alternatives, that is not generally recommended as a control measure because of the potential negative health effects.
I, unfortunately, don't have the expertise to provide you with a detailed protocol for eliminating a clothing most infestation. However, I found a resource from the Cornell University Insect Diagnostic Lab that has a very detailed section on managing this issue, which may provide you with some additional options to try.
Rebekah | DC Master Gardener Volunteer
