Moths can be a nuisance in households, with the insects able to chew through clothes, expensive furniture and even insulation.

Despite summer being over and autumn creeping in, Brits can expect an influx of clothes moths in their homes in September.

According to experts at Total Wardrobe Care, a “second wave” of adult moths can occur in August and September, meaning you might see more flying around your house or in your wardrobes.

On top of that, warmer winters, central heating and clothes made from natural fibres mean that moths are increasingly becoming a year-long problem.

It is the immature larvae, rather than the adult moths, that cause the damage to natural fibres such as woollen clothing, upholstery, carpets, cotton and linen.

Chemicals were traditionally used to treat clothing such as mothballs. However, these often emit toxic fumes and are not recommended for use. 

However, many natural methods can be used to prevent and deter moths, and one such way, according to the experts, is to use essential oils.

Essential oils stop female clothes moths from laying their eggs amongst your clothing and soft furnishings.

Moths are repelled by the smell of many essential oils including cedar, lavender, rosemary, thyme, and peppermint, lemon and peppermint.

According to the Natural History Museum, another way to stop an infestation once it has already occurred is to freeze or wash your clothes in a hight heat.

Putting your clothes in a freezer at -8°C for several days, or heating fabric to temperatures of 49°C in the washing machine for more than 30 minutes can kill all life stages.

You can also store clothing in air tight bags and containers to prevent infestation, and regularly vacuum carpets or upholstery.