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Cornell University : Cornell Cooperative Extension
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| Yates Association |
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Protecting Woolens from Moth Damage |
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Wool clothing is worn for it’s lustrous beauty and for it’s warmth. It is important that wool clothing, as well as blankets and other furnishings, be protected from clothes moths and carpet beetles which can be pests of woolens and other animal fibers. It is the larva or worm-like stage of these insects that does the actual feeding on woolens or on woolen-synthetic combinations. There are several steps you can take to protect clothing and furnishings against damage by carpet beetles and clothes moths. When making purchases, look for woolens or wool-synthetic blends that have been treated by the manufacturer with a moth-resistant compound. You can apply protective treatments to susceptible articles you already own. Be sure to store articles properly. Wash or dry clean all items to be stored. Insects are attracted by dirt, especially from perspiration, food and beverage. Clean woolen garments should be folded and wrapped in white tissue paper. Mothballs should be added to the storage area. Because mothballs and crystals emit a vapor which is heavier than air, suspend them in containers above the woolen clothing. Old stockings make good bags for mothballs. If you are using moth crystals, sprinkle them on the adhesive side of masking tape and hang. Storage areas should be clean, dry, free from insects and away from light. Store clothing in places that have moderate temperature and humidity. Avoid storing in hot attics or damp basements. Natural fibers such as wool, cotton, silk and linen need to be stored in a well ventilated area in containers with ventilation holes so they can breathe. Cedar chests or closets are good pest-proof containers, primarily because of their tight construction. Cedar that no longer gives off odor may be gently sanded to activate the wood’s natural oils. If you have infested articles, you can rid them of larvae and eggs by brushing and sunning them, or by having them dry cleaned. Pillows, mattresses or upholstered furniture must be fumigated if infested. Good housekeeping helps to prevent moth infestation. Clean your home often enough to prevent lint, dust or hair from accumulating. Regular vacuum cleaning on carpets, rugs, drapes, upholstered furniture, closets, air ducts from furnaces, and cracks and crevices in floors is important. After using the vacuum, empty the bag because it may contain eggs or larvae. At very low temperatures, the activity of moths is greatly diminished, but contrary to what some people think, clothes moths are not killed by freezing temperatures. Moth infestation will be best controlled and your clothing and furnishings best protected by keeping things clean and storing items in airtight containers. Cornell
Cooperative Extension Yates Association |
