How to Get Rid of Miller Moths Inside the House

These nocturnal visitors, also known as army cutworm moths, often make an appearance during their migration season, causing a flutter of disturbance indoors.

From sealing entry points to embracing natural repellents, we’ve got you covered with practical solutions to reclaim your home from Miller moth. Keep Reading!

 

What Exactly Are Miller Moths?

Miller moths, whose formal name is Euxoa auxiliaris, are nocturnal moths that look like milled flour and have a powdery appearance. These moths are native to North America and go through a full transformation, going from eggs to larvae (cutworms) and then to adult moths.

Miller moths get their name from the way they look, which is like the powdery feel of freshly ground flour. Because of this trait, they were often found in flour mills, where the fine powder from the grinding process covered them.

Migrating is something they do all the time, and they cross long distances every year, often drawn to artificial lights. Even though they don’t hurt people or buildings, a lot of them can be a bother during certain times of the year. Because they help pollinate plants, miller moths help keep the balance of bug populations in the areas where they live.

 

What Home Remedy Kills Moths?

A number of home remedies can successfully keep moths away and get rid of them. You might wish to try these natural remedies:

1. Cedar:
   • Moths don’t like the way cedar smells. To keep moths out of your closets and drawers, use cedar blocks, cedar hangers, or cedar essential oil.
2. Lavender:
   • Moths can be kept away naturally with lavender bags or lavender oil. A few drops of lavender oil can be added to cotton balls and put them in closets or drawers.
3. Bay Leaves:
   • You can put bay leaves in drawers, closets, or the shelves of your kitchen. Moths are known to stay away from bay leaves because of their strong smell.
4. Cloves:
   • Cloves have a strong smell that moths don’t like. Make packs with cloves or spread whole cloves in places that are likely to get sick.
5. Vinegar:
   • You can clean places where moths might lay their eggs with white vinegar. Use a vinegar-water mixture to clean the inside of closets or the shelves of your kitchen.
6. Herbs and Spices:
   • Herbs and spices that smell like rosemary, thyme, cinnamon, and mint can keep moths away. Put dried herbs in damaged areas or make sachets out of them..
7. Homemade Moth Repellent Sachets:
   • Put dried flowers like lavender, rosemary, and mint, along with cloves and cedar chips, into sachets to make them. Put these bags in drawers, closets, or the shelves of your kitchen.
8. Freezing:
   • For items susceptible to moth damage, like clothing, placing them in the freezer for a few days can kill moth eggs and larvae.

 

Is There A Spray To Kill Moths?

There are sprays on the market that can be used to repel moths without inflicting any harm to the insects themselves. These sprays can be helpful in preventing moths from entering your home.

Look for products that have been developed especially for moths, and be sure to use them in accordance with the directions on the package to ensure your safety and the best possible results. You get to safeguard your space, and the moths are able to continue living their normal lives without interference from you.

 

Read also: 4 Steps To Get Rid of the Almond Moth

 

Is It OK To Sleep With A Moth In Your Room?

It’s usually safe to sleep with a moth in your room. Miller moths are not directly dangerous to people, and having them around is more of a bother than a threat. But if their fluttering wakes you up at night, you might want to take precautions to keep them out of your bed area.

 

Why Are Moths Invading My Property?

There are a few possible explanations for why moths are drawn to your property. Outdoor lights, particularly ones that are really bright and are left on all night long, are a common source of attraction.

Moths are drawn to various fragrances, including those coming from flowering plants and those left behind by foodstuffs. Moths may also be attracted to stored items, such as clothing or grains if you have a pantry or closet that is not sealed tightly.

 

Damage That Miller Moth

Miller moths, sometimes known as army cutworm moths, rarely cause any noticeable damage. However, the cutworms that develop from these eggs can cause damage to crops. Cutworms cause damage to plants by munching on their leaves and stems.

When they are adults and find their way indoors in large numbers during migration, these moths become a major nuisance. However, they pose little direct threat to humans and typically just cause inconvenience by flying into lights, leaving behind waste, or making other commotion.

 

Read also: What are the Top 7 Most Cute Moth on Earth?

 

How To Get Rid of Miller Moths Inside the House

To get rid of Miller moths in your home, you can use either direct or indirect methods, along with preventative ones:

• Seal Entry Points:
  Look for cracks or gaps in windows, doors, and other spaces and seal them to keep moths out.
• Use Screens:
  Put screens over your windows and doors to let air flow but keep moths out.
• Turn down the lights:
  Since moths like light, you might want to reduce the amount of  lighting at night or use yellow bug lights that are less appealing to them.
• Natural Repellents:
  If you want to get rid of moths naturally, you could use bags filled with dried lavender or cedar, since moths don’t like these smells.
• Vacuuming:
  If moths are already inside, gently get rid of them with a vacuum cleaner. Fill up the vacuum bag or bin, then empty it.
• Light Traps:
  Put light traps in places that will be useful. Moths will get caught because they are drawn to the light.
• Chemical Repellents:
  If the problem is bad enough, you can use moth sprays or traps, but make sure you carefully follow the directions on the package.

 

Read also: How To Use InVite Multi-Moth Lure

 

Conclusion

When deciding how to deal with Miller moths in and around your home, it’s important to keep in mind the ecological value of these insects. This manual offers helpful advice for recovering your house from those winged intruders, whether you opt for natural cures, commercial sprays, or preventative measures.

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