Moth precautions?

[Farquhar]

Last night I noticed what looked like a moth somehow made it into my room. After much effort on my part and much destruction of various items in my room while trying to swat it, it managed to get away. Cedar is already in place within my closest and around / in my garment bags, but I did notice that the smell has become fainter.

I was going to take this chance to refresh the cedar using cedar oil, but are there any other precautions I can take to ensure the safety of my wool?

[Father Bill]

When was the last time you sanded the cedar to increase the scent?

[Farquhar]

I haven't just yet. All of my cedar was newly bought and placed on the 14th. I was originally going to sand it, but I had heard that the oil is more aromatic and lasts longer.

[unclevenus]

Fortunately in FL, we don't have as many moths as up north. Hopefully it was a fluke. Never had much of a problem with them down here in CFL. How are you currently keeping your kilt stored? On a rack? In a bag? Surrounded by anti-moth artillery?

[Standard]

Not sure about the oil route. I've heard this works, and will be anxious to hear the proposals here as I need to reinforce my anti-moth battery too.

[Phil]

I wouldn't rely too heavily on cedar. Moths (of the clothes eating variety) prefer their next meal to be a little moist and to contain some additional ingredients (like sweat, urine, other contaminants) so the first precaution to take is dry cleaning after wearing, particularly if you are of the "regimental" persuasion. Then invest in some effective moth preventative and you can find many products online which you hang in your wardrobe and which will deter moths for 6 months or so. Regular wear is a good idea, particularly as it allows you to examine your garments and catch any infestation at an early stage. Look particularly in the pleats and if you see anything suspicious, wrap your kilt in a plastic bag and put it in the freezer for a couple of weeks. This will kill off any active infestation together with the eggs but you still need to tackle any remaining pests with an effective insecticide.

[Farquhar]

Fortunately in FL, we don't have as many moths as up north. Hopefully it was a fluke. Never had much of a problem with them down here in CFL. How are you currently keeping your kilt stored? On a rack? In a bag? Surrounded by anti-moth artillery?

I haven't seen the bugger (no pun intended) around since the "incident". The more I think about it, the more I think it may have been just a fluke and even if it wasn't, the house has been kept up to date for pest-control, so chances are its dead or made his away out of my room from the extra cedar I added for the time being. My kilt is currently still in the que to be made (she's on vacation actually). I was told to expect it by the end of July at the very latest. I'm just trying to get things ready for it's completion as well as keep my other wool safe; jacket, balmoral, etc. However, I plan to use the same method as protecting my Jacket: garment bag surronded by cedar (satchels and ringed inside and outon the hanger) as well as placing a block at the bottom of the bag.

Not sure about the oil route. I've heard this works, and will be anxious to hear the proposals here as I need to reinforce my anti-moth battery too.

The way I understand it is that the oil helps refreshen the blocks as well as adding more cedar scent to it, making the cedar scent even stronger. Once I'm able to track some down i'll be sure to let you know how it goes.

I wouldn't rely too heavily on cedar. Moths (of the clothes eating variety) prefer their next meal to be a little moist and to contain some additional ingredients (like sweat, urine, other contaminants) so the first precaution to take is dry cleaning after wearing, particularly if you are of the "regimental" persuasion. Then invest in some effective moth preventative and you can find many products online which you hang in your wardrobe and which will deter moths for 6 months or so. Regular wear is a good idea, particularly as it allows you to examine your garments and catch any infestation at an early stage. Look particularly in the pleats and if you see anything suspicious, wrap your kilt in a plastic bag and put it in the freezer for a couple of weeks. This will kill off any active infestation together with the eggs but you still need to tackle any remaining pests with an effective insecticide.

Phil, what kind of moth preventatives would you suggest and where might I find them? The only thing I've been able to find our mothballs and I've heard almost everyone advise agaisnt it.

[Phil]

Phil, what kind of moth preventatives would you suggest and where might I find them? The only thing I've been able to find our mothballs and I've heard almost everyone advise agaisnt it.

Try these - http://www.rentokil.co.uk/residentia...tte/index.html - I am sure they are available where you are (http://www.rentokil.co.nz/) and they don't smell.

[Farquhar]

Try these - http://www.rentokil.co.uk/residentia...tte/index.html - I am sure they are available where you are (http://www.rentokil.co.nz/) and they don't smell.

Great, thanks!

I've been meaning to ask... has any one had any luck with cedar / lavander scented candles?

[kilted scholar]

As has been said, moths like moisture and items that are not clean. Apparently they also prefer darkness.
Since we do not have the space for cedar closets that many American houses have, I have found to date the following precautions effective.

Keep woollen items disturbed - by regular wearing, frequent inspection. Avoid leaving them unattended.
Keep them clean.
Expose them to the light - moths prefer darkness.
Surround them with plenty of cloves and various packets of mint, rosemary, and other herbs. Mint tea bags are good for this purpose.

You may find this link useful -
http://www.marthastewart.com/875750/...BPeZXuB8d-1IiN