Do Garlic Bulbs in a House Attract Moths?

Moth Attractants

• Though moths are nocturnal by nature, they are drawn to luminosity; you'll find them fluttering around candles, lamps or light bulbs. But when it is time to mate, moths tend to seek environments that offer warm, dark nesting conditions. Their larvae feed on natural fibers such as wool, wool blends, furs, felts and feathers; consequently, closets and containers filled with clothing are prime moth breeding grounds.

Moths Indoors

• To repel moths inside the home, combine fragrant herbs such as cloves, garlic, lavender, rosemary and basil, with pencil shavings or cedar chips and transfer the mixture to a cloth bag. Place the scented sachets inside closets, dresser drawers and storage containers; the aroma naturally keeps moths at bay.

Moths Outdoors

• Moths may not be all that troublesome outside the home, but the larger the outdoor population, the greater the odds of an indoor invasion. To minimize the number of moths in the garden, surround the perimeter of the property with edible bulbs, such as garlic, shallots, scallions, leeks and onions. These plants contain a number of sulfur-based compounds that repel moths and other garden pests, such as mosquitoes, aphids and Japanese beetles.

Other Uses for Garlic

• In addition to keeping moths and other insects away, garlic has powerful antifungal properties that can keep minor infections such as athlete's foot and jock itch under control. Simply steep raw cloves of garlic in hot water and soak the affected area in the solution for 30 minutes. Repeat the treatment twice a day until the infection is no longer evident. Additionally, according to Curt Pesman, author of "Uncommon Cures for Everyday Ailments," garlic is a natural antibiotic and cooking with it can help prevent food-related illnesses, such as food poisoning and salmonella.