Moths and fish

[poppym12]

Since we moved to this property we've had a problem with moths. I've put the smelly things in wardrobes, vacuumed all nooks and crannies but the wretched things just won't go away.

We have tropical fish so the moth bombs aren't possible sadly. Any tips please on how to get totally rid of these destructive things?

Oh god, they're an utter nightmare. I'm afraid you've got to clean EVERYWHERE - every single last place. Pull all the furniture out and have a good look behind it, especially at the edges of the carpets. Look in the folds of the curtains, especially right at the tops. Examine every last bit of clothing and linen. Look inside shoes - sometimes they like the linings. Doing a whole house takes forever, and it's hell.

Get some sticky moth traps, which attract the males. This will keep the population down, and also give you a guide to how bad things are.

Get some protective bags for your knitwear, and get covers for suits and coats.

You have my sympathy. I've had several massive run-ins with moths over the years; I know what it's like.

Thank you @Time40. This sounds like a never ending task. 6 stuffed wardrobes and a packed shoe cupboard, it's going to take for ever. No idea how I'm going to do it as I have limited mobility. Nightmare.

Once you've got the infestation under control I've found shutting the windows as soon as the light starts to fade helps stop them coming in. If a window is open it's either daylight so they're not attracted to the lightbulb because it's not on or it's a room nobody is in so the light is off. They don't seem to come in unless they've a reason to so I removed the reason (light).

If you've got that much stuff do you really need it all? You could use this as a reason for being more minimalist.
Use the clothes and shoes until you notice they're damaged or infested then get rid, instead of worrying about cleaning it all.
When it comes to replacing furniture get stuff that's high enough off the floor to easily hoover underneath.
Clear out cupboards of things you're not using so then removing what is there, cleaning and replacing again isn't a huge job.
Get rid of excess furniture that isn't needed to store all the excess stuff in that you have decluttered.

It all adds up to less places for critters to hide, breed and munch away unnoticed.

Yes, a big clear out is needed @NewJeans. I'll only be able to do a bit at a time though so it will take a very long time.