Moth precautions?

[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

[t_challa]

Hi guys,

When you refer to moths are you talking about normal moths (the ones that flutter around light bulbs) or carpet moths? I live in London and have been trying to get my landlord to change the carpet in my room as every other year the carpet moths seem to breed in huge numbers. I'm worried that they will start attacking/eating my kilts.

[Farquhar]

Hi guys,

When you refer to moths are you talking about normal moths (the ones that flutter around light bulbs) or carpet moths? I live in London and have been trying to get my landlord to change the carpet in my room as every other year the carpet moths seem to breed in huge numbers. I'm worried that they will start attacking/eating my kilts.

Clothes moths in particular. As far as I know (I'm still learning) normal moths aren't a threat to our wool. Although, I'd personally prefer to not have any moths near my wool. I'm not 100% on the wether or not carpet moths are an issue, I'm sure one of the vets here will know for sure, but I'd assume that if they eat carpet, they probably pose a threat to our wool.

[Jock Scot]

Hi guys,

When you refer to moths are you talking about normal moths (the ones that flutter around light bulbs) or carpet moths? I live in London and have been trying to get my landlord to change the carpet in my room as every other year the carpet moths seem to breed in huge numbers. I'm worried that they will start attacking/eating my kilts.

I am no moth expert and as long as any moth wants to fly around my light bulb then I am content for that to happen and I am quite sure that many of them have no intention of getting into mischief, but should they decide to visit my wardrobes, then I am ready for them and I have learnt from bitter experience that more than one method of defence is wise. Number one, moth proof bags with ceder strips inside, number two the rentokil thingies and in trunks that contain wool that does not see light of day very often, then the good old moth ball does the trick. In passing, the smell of moth balls is pretty good at repelling inquisitive children too! My father when out East in his Navy days had a trunk made that was lined in ceder and then tin lined and with a very precise fitting lid and that, even with no moth bags and moth balls, does keep out the invaders -----its a shame he did not have more made.