Moths love wool

**rollerboy_1979** · 22nd July 08, 05:09 PM

Now that my kilt collection is growing, it just dawned on me that I might need to think about storage. I currently have my two wool kilts hanging in the closet and now live in dreaded fear of moth damage.

Has anyone experienced this problem? I know that besides moths, silverfish also like to eat wool. I have a cedar chest and wondered if it wouldn't be a wise idea to store my kilts in it. If I do go that route, do I roll the kilt?

Your thoughts?

Thanks in advance,

RB

**Pleater** · 22nd July 08, 05:21 PM

Do you have a large freezer? Place kilt in thick plastic bag, roll to fit and freeze.

The insect that can survive minus 18 celsius has yet to hatch.

Anne the Pleater

**turpin** · 22nd July 08, 06:33 PM

I have 15 +/-in my closet. I got a pack of cedar closet liners at Home Depot and set then under and adjacent to where they hang. Also, frequent wearing will help keep moths from nesting.

**Standard** · 22nd July 08, 07:51 PM

I've hung a couple of cedar pieces in my closet that I purchased at WalMart. They are blocks about 3"x1/2"x6" and have a hook in the top like a coathanger. Smells much better than mothballs. I agree with the comment about wearing your wool often also.

**sharpdressedscot** · 22nd July 08, 08:23 PM

Do moths like fire?

Get a flamethrower, I think they'll stay away from that.

**Fox** · 22nd July 08, 08:29 PM

On the same note, do some spiders also like to eat clothing? I do not ever recall seeing much in the way of moths, but we have many spiders at different times of the year, like right now. I would almost swear that I have had holes appear in clothes from spiders. Can anybody confirm or refute this? If some spiders are also a menace, does cedar also work the same way on them as on moths? If not, what might repel them?

**Riverkilt** · 22nd July 08, 08:46 PM

My understanding is that moths prefer the dark and its better to hang wool clothes in the light? Also garment bags that appear moth proof to me are dirt cheap at the big box stores. And the cedar hanging things are good too. And...ummm...the freezer....really? Maybe an old refrigerator, gut it and rig it with a hangar bar inside...

Ron

**Brave Andrew** · 22nd July 08, 09:19 PM

I HATE Moths!!!
If I see a bloody moth flyin' aroon in my hoosie, I go after it!
Take that ya bassar'... swack, smack... DEID!
I use a lot of Moth balls and cedar blocks and pack my woolies in a plastic container.

**sydnie7** · 22nd July 08, 09:26 PM

Originally Posted by Brave Andrew

I HATE Moths!!!
If I see a bloody moth flyin' aroon in my hoosie, I go after it!
Take that ya bassar'... swack, smack... DEID!
I use a lot of Moth balls and cedar blocks and pack my woolies in a plastic container.

Depends on the type of moth you're seeing. Many are "meal" moths that feed on flour, birdseed, etc.

If you see adult "clothing" moths, it means you already have damaged woolen goods. The damage is caused by hungry juveniles/grubs, long before they become flying adults.

The moth traps sold for clothing moths explain that they are an "alert" system -- when you see adults, it's time to unpack your woolies and shake out the grubs. . .

Cedar is nice smelling but loses its effect very quickly. You can sand down/abrade the surface to release more of the essential oil, but folks seldom do. I use the nasty smelling moth packs (can't get "real" mothballs in California due to air quality regulations, if you can fathom that!). A quick airing, or run through the dryer on air only, knocks down the aroma before wearing.

**Bugbear** · 23rd July 08, 03:10 AM

Originally Posted by Pleater

Do you have a large freezer? Place kilt in thick plastic bag, roll to fit and freeze.

The insect that can survive minus 18 celsius has yet to hatch.

Anne the Pleater

I keep my rice and grains in my freezer for that reason.

You would think a close steaming over the whole kilt would kill them too. Same for pressing... Bake those little grubs!!