Moths in your garden: Why you should think twice about getting rid of them

People have different attitudes towards kites. Some people find them exceptionally beautiful, loving their furry bodies and elaborately patterned feathers. However, others find them less attractive than butterflies, which are frequently admired for their more vibrant hues and visual magnificence.

Most moths are nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night, unlike butterflies, which fly during the day. They are frequently larger in size, and fly faster and more erratically, especially near light sources. People’s inherent fear of nocturnal animals stems from a basic human tendency to be wary of the unexpected or unknown, especially in the dark.

One particular reason that many people hate moths is that some of them get into the house, spoil clothes, get into the pantry and then contaminate the food. However, not all moths are at risk. Quite the opposite; They are important for the environment.

As important nocturnal pollinators for many plants and contributors to the reproduction of night-blooming flowers, moths are an integral part of your garden ecosystem. In addition, they support biodiversity by providing an important food source for birds, bats and other animals. Furthermore, the decomposition of organic matter by moth larvae enriches the soil and improves plant health. Removing moths can disrupt these beneficial activities and destroy the natural balance of your garden. As a result, you should think twice before getting rid of them as they greatly improve the health and vitality of your garden.

Read more: 10 Types Of Spiders You Might Commonly See In Your Home

Moths Play An Important Role In The Garden

Moths are great pollinators of plants, just like butterflies and bees. They help seed development as they feed on nectar from flowers. In fact, Max Anderson, Ellen L. A 2023 study by Rothere and Fiona Matthews found that moths are more likely to be at night than bees. Bees avoid pollinating some rare plants, although these nocturnal pollinators do. Additionally, moths are able to travel further than butterflies, which helps them spread pollination over larger areas and improve the environment.

In terms of food chain, bats, small animals, birds, amphibians and other insects eat moths, especially their caterpillars. Removing these moths has a good chance of negatively impacting these species. Moth declines on farmland are linked to declines in bats and cuckoos, according to the research, highlighting the importance of moths in maintaining ecological balance and the potential consequences of disrupting their normal life cycle.

Moths are also excellent indicator species due to their wide distribution and sensitivity to climate change. We can learn more about various environmental changes, such as the effects of pesticides, new agricultural techniques, and climate change, by monitoring their numbers.

What Moths You Do Need To Get Rid Of

There are many types of moths and some of them spoil food and eat clothes. These are the moths you want to keep out of your home. However, you don’t need to fear moths right away. According to Jason Dombrowski, manager of Cornell University’s Insect Collection and Insect Collection Lab, speaking to The New York Times, moths are more likely to eat your houseplants than your clothes.

That being said, if you notice holes in your clothes, especially items made of cashmere, silk or wool, you may have a cloth moth infestation. Fortunately, there are simple solutions to deal with unwanted moths. For example, you can use cedar pellets or granules to keep those pesky pantry moths at bay. Another way to keep moths out of your closet is to use strong smelling spices. Consider using cinnamon, black pepper, thyme, cloves, and rosemary. However, don’t lump all moths together with these unwanted guests, as they serve a valuable function in your garden.

READ | Moths Free Haven: 10 Homemade Ways to Keep Moths Out of Your Closet!

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