Influencing Moths

We have moths in our basement. While this doesn't seem like too much of a problem (and honestly, it isn't), they do present enough of an annoyance that, back in mid/late May, I decided to take action against them. Specifically, I bought a set of moth traps at the local hardware store, and set one out. A few years ago, the frequency of moths appearing was getting out of hand, so a trap was set up in the basement pantry. I am not exaggerating when I say that upwards of 100 moths were stuck to that thing when it was finally thrown out! I can't give an exact number, partly because it was several years ago, but mostly because every time I tried to count up all the moths that were there, I'd lose count at around 50. I can reach about 50, and I'm about halfway across the trap, so just take the number I've got and double it. It's a rough estimation, I will admit, but it's all I got.

It worked before, so maybe it will work again, right? Well, no.

The moth trap I put down was not working for a while. At best, it only sort of worked; it wasn't trapping them, though it did seem to be attracting moths to the general area. I tried relocating it, twice. And after the second relocation, I forgot about it until a few days ago. For frame of reference, it has spent nearly a month in its current location. In that time, the trap has caught four moths, and a thin layer of dust. I am willing to call this a partial victory; partial, because in the time that the trap was out, I have killed twice as many moths with my bare hands.

It is necessary to take action on certain matters, but that only works so far. You can exert influence on the environment you find yourself in, yes. However, the environment often has a measure of influence that it will exert as well. And then there is the matter of other people exerting their influence on the environment. What you do may have an impact, yes, but it may not be the impact you expected or wanted.

So then what? Did you get it to work (at least, sort of)? Is it possible to make alterations if it doesn't work? Or is it best to simply dismiss it as a lost cause and cut your losses?