Tricks To Keep Moths Out Of Your Closet

We all know how annoying it is to pull out a wool garment from the wardrobe, only to find small holes have been nibbled out of it since last wearing it. It can become rather costly if the moths gain the upper hand. Find out how to take action against the little critters.

MOTHS that thrive on wardrobes full of cashmere, wool, fur and other fabrics made from animal hair are irritating to many people. But there are plenty of ways to protect your clothes without resorting to mothballs.

Cleanliness is the first and best  line of defense, said Cheryl Ann Farr, a professor of textiles and clothing at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Okla., because dirty clothes are often what attract moths in the first place. Moth eggs, larvae and adult moths can all be killed by a hot-water wash cycle or by dry cleaning. And any that remain in the closet can be vacuumed up or removed by scrubbing.

Firstly, naturally you would need to identify that you have clothes moths as a potential problem. Clothes moths are a golden/buff colour and no more than a half inch long. However, it is the larva (small white worm looking) that actually eats wool garments, not the moths themselves. If they are around, assume they are laying eggs. Moths love garments but in particular have a real fettish for wool.

1) Freeze the wool. Freezing temperatures can kill any eggs or larvae in your woolens. Ideally, put the clothes outside on a cold day, but you can use a freezer in a pinch. Launder and store appropriately.

2) Store your wool garments in sealed containers. If the insects cannot lay eggs, they will not eat your clothes. A drawer may not offer enough protection. Cedar chests have a reputation for deterring moths, but this has not be proven--many people like the smell, however.

3) Sprinkle the wool with black pepper. Wrap in paper or put into a bag and the moths will be deterred.

4) Put cedar blocks in with wool. Moths don't like cedar and will keep away from its scent.

5)Use chemical deterrents. Commercial moth deterrents exist, for instance, mothballs or flakes. However, these chemicals are potentially toxic and often bad smelling. But they work, so choose wisely. Why not make your own moth repellent instead?

Hope this article has been helpful, not only for wool clothing, but really any article made from one hundred percent wool will benefit from applying the suggestions.

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