How to Get Rid of Moth Eggs: Easy and Effective Tips

Moth infestations can be a nuisance, especially when they lay their eggs in and around our homes. To effectively get rid of moth eggs, it’s crucial to understand the best methods for removing and disposing of them.

One effective method of removal is to spray reachable egg masses with horticultural oil or gently scrape them into a container of soapy water. This should be followed by soaking the egg masses for a few days before discarding them in the trash. Another important step is to remove objects around your yard that might harbor moth eggs, like dead branches, signs, or birdhouses nailed to trees.

With these measures in place, you’ll be well on your way to preventing moth infestations and protecting the vegetation in your home and garden. Remember to always be vigilant in identifying moth egg masses and taking prompt action to eradicate them.

Identifying Moth Eggs and Infestation

Types of Moths

There are various types of moths that may infest your home or garden. Two common species include:

• Webbing Clothes Moth: These moths target clothing, carpets, and tapestries made from natural fibers.
• Indian Meal Moth: This species prefers stored goods like grains, cereals, and pet food.

Moths Life Cycle

Moths follow a life cycle consisting of four stages:

1. Egg: Female moths lay eggs on suitable materials for the larvae to feed on.
2. Larva: Also known as caterpillars, they cause the most damage by consuming the infested material.
3. Pupa: Caterpillars transform into pupae, where they metamorphose into adults.
4. Adult: Adult moths typically do not cause damage but are responsible for laying eggs and continuing the infestation.

Recognizing Moth Infestation

Here are some signs of moth infestation:

• Moth eggs: Tiny and oval-shaped, usually laid in clusters on infested materials.
• Caterpillars: Active damage-causers, they may create webbing or leave fecal pellets.
• Webbing: A sign of webbing clothes moth infestation, it may be found on fabrics or around food sources.
• Adult moths: Hovering around lights or food sources, they may be an indicator of a larger infestation.

Keep in mind that early identification and treatment are crucial to preventing large-scale damage to your belongings or garden.

Preventing Moth Infestation

Proper Storage and Cleaning

To prevent moths from infesting your home, store fabrics such as wool, cotton, silk, and fur in airtight containers or plastic bags. Moth larvae, which are responsible for destroying fabrics, feed on keratin, a protein found in these materials. Regularly clean your closet, pantry, upholstered furniture, and carpets to remove dust, pet hair, and potential food sources.

For clothes moths, dry cleaning is especially helpful, as it eliminates larvae and eggs from garments, and for pantry moths, managing food storage and cleanliness is crucial. Avoid using cardboard as moths can easily infest it.

Using Natural Repellents and Deterrents

Natural moth deterrents can be placed in your closet or pantry to discourage moths. Some popular natural moth repellents include cedar, vinegar, lavender, and a variety of herbs such as:

• Bay leaves
• Cloves
• Rosemary
• Thyme

These fragrant substances repel moths and can help protect your belongings.

Pros and cons of natural repellents:

In addition to natural repellents, moth traps can be used to trap and eliminate adult moths, stopping the lifecycle of moth infestations. Mothballs, a more traditional approach, can also be employed, but be aware that their strong odor may cause allergies and they are toxic to children and pets.

Remember, regularly vacuuming and cleaning cracks in your home can reduce the chances of moth infestations, ultimately protecting your fabrics, food, and overall living environment.

Removing Moth Eggs and Infestation

Cleaning Methods for Fabrics and Furniture

• Vacuuming: Use a vacuum cleaner to remove moth eggs, larvae, and adult moths from textiles and upholstered furniture.

• Freezing: Place infested items in a plastic bag, seal it tightly, and place it in the freezer for 7-10 days to kill moth eggs and larvae.

Example: Freezing a wool sweater or a small rug

Pros:

• Non-toxic
• Safe for fabrics and materials

Cons:

• Not suitable for large or delicate items

• Dry cleaning: Have infested clothes or textiles professionally dry cleaned to remove moth eggs and larvae.

• White vinegar: Use a solution of white vinegar and water (1:1) to wipe down surfaces and furniture to remove and repel moths.

Dealing with Pantry Moth Infestations

1. Cleaning and sanitizing: Inspect food items, such as grains, cereals, pasta, spices, chocolates, beans, and nuts. Dispose of infested items and clean pantry shelves and containers with a white vinegar solution.

Example: Cleaning a cupboard with vinegar after finding infested pasta

2. Storing food properly: Store food items in airtight containers to prevent new infestations.

3. Moth traps: Use sticky moth traps with pheromone lures to attract and trap adult moths. Replace traps as needed.

4. Natural remedies: Place dried bay leaves, lavender, or cedar in your pantry to repel moths.

5. When necessary, enlist professional help from specialized companies like Orkin or consult the National Pesticide Information Center for advice on applying insecticides for heavy infestations. Use chemical insecticides and naphthalene products with caution, as they may be harmful to humans and pets.

Pest Control and Professional Help

When to Call a Pest Control Expert

It’s important to know when to seek professional help for pest control. If you notice an infestation of pests like ants, insects, or moths damaging household items, cereals, or dry goods, that may be the right time. Persistent allergic reactions such as hives, swelling, and irritation due to pest presence are also indicators that expert assistance is necessary.

For moth infestations, removing their eggs or cocoons is crucial. Simple at-home methods, like using cedar oil or pheromones to deter pests, may be effective. However, serious infestations may require insecticides or other professional pest control methods.

Choosing the Right Pest Control Service

Selecting an effective pest control service is essential for properly dealing with pest issues. Here are some key factors to consider when choosing a service:

• Experience: Look for a company with ample experience in handling similar issues.
• Certification: Ensure the service provider is certified and follows safety regulations.
• Pricing: Compare the costs and value of different services to find one that fits your budget.

When evaluating pest control services, weigh the pros and cons of each option. For instance, a reputable company with a higher cost may be worth it if they offer additional expertise or guarantees. Here is a comparison table to help you make an informed decision.

When making a decision about a pest control service, consider reaching out to the National Pesticide Information Center for additional guidance. They can provide essential information about products and methods that are safe for birdseed, birds, and other sensitive targets. Stay proactive in your approach and always prioritize the health and wellbeing of your household.

Reader Emails

Over the years, our website, whatsthatbug.com has received hundreds of letters and some interesting images asking us about these insects. Scroll down to have a look at some of them.

Letter 1 – Probably MOth Eggs

eggs on house in florida
Bugman (bugwoman?),
Please help, I’ve searched your egg site and several other sites and several bug books with no solid answer. The attached photo of eggs were found on the side of my house in South Florida. Collectively they are about the size of a fingerprint. In fact, I thought this smudge on my house was a leftover mark from yardwork.
These eggs were found near two potted tomato plants, on the west side of the house. They are flesh colored or pale peach. I discovered them this past weekend (Feb 18, 2006). What do you think they are?
Judy

Hi Judy,
Eggs are very difficult to positively identify, but we suspect they are moth eggs. Our first choice is one of the Tiger Moths in the family Arctidae, followed by a Giant Silk Moth in the family Saturnidae.

Letter 2 – Mystery: Eggs on Silk Strands

Subject: Long Fine Webs + Egg clusters on trees. Los Angeles.
Location: Whittier, Los Angeles
February 22, 2015 12:09 pm
Hello,
I live in the Whittier area of Los Angeles. I’ve noticed long fine webs and occasional egg clusters on my deciduous trees branches, and a young bougainvillea. The bougainvillea was eaten down to the stems, not sure if related.
Webs span between branches, and are usually single strand. The webs can become come somewhat more complex in crook of branches or near buds. The small white eggs can be singles, but I have seen long clusters of 1 dozen or so. I never notice any insects present.
My trees are young, between 1-4 years old. Not sure if I should be concerned, or if I should treat. Don’t want to let it get out of hand if its dangerous to my trees. FYI – trees are various fruits, and several Mexican Redbud.
Any insight would be helpful. Thanks.
Signature: Erin

Hi Erin,
Webs are generally associated with spiders, but your web and eggs are not related to spiders.  Many caterpillars spin silk, but caterpillars do not lay eggs, so we don’t think this is related to a Moth.  We will post your images and continue to research your submission.

Letter 3 – Omnivorous Looper

Subject: moth & eggs identification!
Location: bellingham, washington, usa
May 30, 2016 3:11 pm
hi! i found this moth laying eggs in my dorm building today. i live in bellingham, washington. i want to know what kind she is so that i can put her eggs somewhere safe where they’ll find something to eat- i know some moths only eat certain plants. please write back soon, i love moths and i want these babies to grow up safely. thank you!
Signature: tessa f.

Dear Tessa,
Eggs can be very difficult to identify, so having images of the female insect laying the eggs is one way to ensure the identity of the eggs.  This moth is an Omnivorous Looper, Sabulodes aegrotata, a species found in the western states.  Here is a BugGuide image for verification.  According to BugGuide:  “The larvae feed on a large variety of herbacious and woody broad-leaved angiosperms. Plants in 27 familes have been reported as hosts, and the species’ feeding occasionally causes damage to to orchard trees such as avocado, citrus, and walnuts.”  Many moths that are general feeders do not concern themselves with laying eggs on an actual host plant as the young can forage once they hatch.  Because we will be away from the office for a spell in June, we are postdating your submissions as well as other postings to go live during our absence. 

Letter 4 – Moth Eggs we believe

Subject: what’s laying these eggs??
Location: North Arkansas
August 29, 2014 5:59 pm
I have these clusters of tiny white eggs all over the window/house eaves, gutters, and the patio support beams. There are other clusters around those same areas that look ‘hatched’ – they appear opened & a little more ashy gray/brown in color. What’s leaving these?? Someone sent me a picture that said it’s fly eggs, but I can’t find anything else to back that up…however, we have a million house flies currently. 🙁
Signature: Thanks!

We believe these are Moth Eggs, either Tiger Moth Eggs from the subfamily Arctiinae, or Giant Silkmoths from the family Saturniidae.

Letter 5 – Mysterious Blue “Eggs” on Hawthorne

Subject: Blue Insect Eggs
Location: Vancouver Washington
June 12, 2014 1:57 pm
While trimming a Hawthorn tree I found this clutch of eggs on a twig, about the size of a cocktail straw. I’m a fan of bugs so I’m not inclined to destroy them, but I am very curious about what they are going to be. There are a lot of insect eggs on the web, however nothing that looks like this.
Signature: Thank you, Brenda Bateman

Hi Brenda,
We agree that these appear to be eggs, but we know not their identity.  Based on the size, nearly 1/16 inch, the only possible insect suspect we can think of is a Giant Silkmoth in the family Saturniidae, however, our brief research did not produce any likely candidates for laying blue eggs on Hawthorn.  Perhaps one of our readers will write in with a comment that leads to an answer.

Thank you for the response! I appreciate the effort and will watch the site for additional comments.
Brenda

Letter 6 – Mysterious Things found in Windowsill might be Geometrid Moth Eggs

what is this bug?
Location: Minneapolis NC
July 8, 2011 8:45 pm
Found this on my back window porch area, it looks like a fly with fly eggs, hope it can be identified. thanks, tklb2011
Signature: tklb2011

Dear tklb2011,
We have no idea what these mysterious things are, but they do seem to resemble eggs.  Hopefully our readership may be able to contribute some information.

Ed. Note: July 13, 2011
We received a comment from Jessi indicating that these might be Moth Eggs from the family Geometridae.

Letter 7 – Painted Arachnis laying Eggs

Moth
Sun, Oct 19, 2008 at 9:07 PM
This moth was laying eggs on the wall of my house in Oakland, CA. She was about 1″ long.
Laurie K.
Oakland, CA

Hi Laurie,
Your moth is a common Southern California Tiger Moth known as a Painted Arachnis.  We had eight individuals on our screen door and near our porch light on Mt Washington in Los Angeles this past week.  One female also laid eggs.  Over the years, we have observed these moths laying eggs on our walls numerous times.  The caterpillars are general feeders of the Woolly Bear type.