Child Item

How to kill moths leaving marks on ceiling?

Hi,

I'm hoping someone might be able to help me.

We have recently purchased a new house and are having trouble with what I think are moths laying eggs all around the house, specifically under the outdoor area.

I had people tell me they're lawn grubs, so I've sprayed the lawn grub spray (Richgro 2L Hose on Lawn Beetle and Grub Killa). Im no expert here but it's clearly moths laying eggs. The patches are kind of furry and smear when brushed/wiped. I'm not too pleased about having to keep pouring on 'Lawn Grub Killa'on the lawn (reapplication is an expense...) and not sure how this would actually prevent the moths from dumping their spawn on the ceiling. I'm pretty over waking up every morning to these patches and repetitive cleaning just for them to regain ground over less than a few days.

Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated!

-Someone who wants their ceiling back

Find more posts tagged with

Tools and Materials

Gardening

Comments

EricL

Hello @Will0983

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about pest control.

It sounds like you're dealing with case moths or plaster bagworms, which are known to lay eggs and leave furry, smearable patches under eaves, outdoor areas, and ceilings. Lawn grub treatments like Richgro 2L Hose-On Lawn Beetle & Grub Killa are designed to target larvae in the soil, not moths or their eggs on hard surfaces, which explains why it hasn’t stopped the problem.

To tackle this issue effectively, start by removing the eggs as soon as you spot them. A stiff broom, hose, or pressure washer will help dislodge them from ceilings and walls. For stubborn patches, try 30 Seconds Outdoor Cleaner from Bunnings, which is effective at breaking down organic matter.

To prevent the moths from returning, use PestXpert Pro Spray Outdoor Perimeter Spray on ceilings, eaves, and walls. This spray creates a protective barrier that repels insects and stops them from laying eggs. Since moths are attracted to lights at night, consider switching to warm-coloured LED bulbs, which are less attractive to them than cool white lights.

If you suspect the problem is coming from nearby lawn areas, replacing chemical treatments with Eco-Neem Organic Insecticide might help by disrupting the moths’ life cycle without the need for constant reapplications. Let me know if you need more advice—this can be a persistent issue, but with a combination of physical removal and prevention, you should see improvements!

Please make sure to wear personal protection such as disposable coveralls, gloves, goggles and a paint rated mask when applying the insecticide.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

Will0983

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/48868#Comment_48868

Thanks EricL, I'll give the above linked product a go and keep brushing off.

Thanks for taking the time to respond. If im still battling later on, I'll let you know!

Child Item