Why Bay Leaves Should Be in Your Closet to Keep Pests Away

As the season changes, pests like moths, cockroaches, and silverfish emerge in closets. The secret to keeping them at bay might be hiding in your pantry.

According to pest experts, bay leaves serve as an effective, non-toxic deterrent that also helps maintain a pleasant scent in your clothes.

Here's why entomologists recommend using bay leaves to fend off closet pests.

Benefits of Bay Leaves for Pest Control

What makes bay leaves effective against clothes-damaging insects?

Jeff Schumacher, a pest management expert, notes that bay leaves act as a natural deterrent due to their strong aroma and essential oils like eucalyptol and cineole.

These compounds irritate insects, disrupt their sense of smell, and make it more difficult for them to locate food sources. That's why pests such as moths and silverfish tend to steer clear of areas where bay leaves are present.

Furthermore, Adham Perriseau, an eco-solutions specialist, adds that these oils also obscure food and fabric scents, making your space less appealing to common indoor pests.

However, Ed Dolshun, a pest control professional, warns that while bay leaves can help, they are more of a mild repellent than a complete solution. For severe infestations, it's crucial to watch for signs that you need professional help. Experts like those at Orkin can provide targeted treatments suited to your needs.

Using Bay Leaves as a Pest Deterrent

Cream bedroom with carpet, sage green built-in closet and matching vanity table with mid century chair. There is a petal statement ceiling light and bright window showing trees beyond — Utilize dried leaves or essential oils

To implement this natural pest control strategy, Ed suggests placing dried bay leaves in small drawstring mesh bags available at Walmart or sachets, hanging them in your closet.

For a more potent effect, he recommends putting a drop of bay leaf essential oil on a cotton ball. Just remember to refresh it often as the scent diminishes quickly. Consider trying the Bay Leaf Essential Oil from Amazon for this purpose. Mixing it with a carrier oil can also help extend its fragrance.

Jeff suggests combining a few drops of bay leaf essential oil with water in a spray bottle, such as the Great Value All Purpose Plastic Spray Bottle from Walmart, and spritzing it on shelves or fabric.

Limitations of Bay Leaves for Pest Control

A cream and wood padded closet in a bedroom with a cream rug, wooden sideboard with vase of bright pink flowers, and grey chair. — This method requires regular updates

The primary drawback, as noted by Adham, is that the aroma of bay leaves fades relatively quickly, necessitating frequent replacements to remain effective.

Moreover, bay leaves only serve to repel pests; they won't eliminate existing infestations. In some cases, dried leaves may become brittle and create a mess. If that occurs, a vacuum is the quickest way to tidy it up. A good option is the BLACK+DECKER dustbuster QuickClean Cordless Handheld Vacuum from Amazon.

Ultimately, Jeff concludes, while bay leaves are a great natural option, they won't resolve a larger infestation.

Recommended Products

Prices were accurate at the time of publication.

Sustainable

Sun Essential Oils – Bay Essential Oil

This cruelty-free bay leaf essential oil is perfect for diffusion, cleaning, and aromatherapy. The amber bottle preserves its quality and freshness.

Pack of 100

HRX Package White Organza Bags

These small bags are perfect for filling with bay leaves and hanging in your closet. Any extras can be saved for gift giving.

Whole, dried leaves

Great Value Bay Leaves

If you're out of bay leaves, these affordable and fragrant options are perfect for your cooking needs.

Non-toxic

Richards Homewares Moth Away Sachets

These sachets use a natural herbal formula and mint scent to freshen your garments, ideal for use in enclosed storage.

Poured in the USA

Household Essentials CedarFresh Cedar Power Spray

This repellent spray features lavender and concentrated cedar oil for maximum effectiveness.

Easy to set up

Dr. Killigan's Premium Clothing Moth Traps

These traps use pheromones for a safe, chemical-free method to prevent pests in your closet, disrupting the breeding cycle for lasting protection.

Expert Insights

Ed Dolshun

Ed is the vice president of business development and technical director at Catchmaster®, with over 12 years of experience in the pest management industry, focusing on product development and validation.