How to Keep Away Moths From Sweaters Without Mothballs

Launder your sweaters before you put them away. Dry-clean the garments if necessary, or wash as directed on the care label, preferably in hot water to kill the moths in all stages of life. You do not want to store sweaters with moths in them, or with excess lint or human hair on them, both of which attract moths.

Store the sweaters in airtight containers, some of which are made to fit under the bed. Plastic bags with zippers may work, provided they close without leaving a gap. You can add a piece of duct tape to the end to help seal it. Cedar-lined chests and closets can repel moths, but only if they seal tightly and the oils have not dried up, advises Susan Wright, a consumer education specialist at New Mexico State University.

Add a sachet of dried herbs or plant leaves such as lavender, pennyroyal, eucalyptus or tansy in with your sweaters to help repel moths naturally. Some plants, including pennyroyal, eucalyptus and tansy, are toxic if consumed, so use cautiously especially near children and pets.

Lay sweaters made from animal fibers out in the sun for two or three hours or dry them for about 15 minutes in the dryer, if you did not place them in airtight containers or in a sealed cedar closet or chest. Do this twice a month to kill any potential moth larvae, according to a May 2008 report by Oregon State University on controlling clothes moths. Before putting the sweaters back into storage, shake them outdoors.

Clean your home to get rid of any existing moths and to keep them away from the sweaters. Vacuum rugs, upholstery, drawers, closets and anywhere moths may be. Dispose of the vacuum cleaner bag when the task is completed. Clean the house regularly to keep lint and hair under control, which will also help eliminate clothes moths.