Q&A: How do I prevent moths in the wardrobe?
Thursday, 19 May 2011 10:41 AM
Q: “When I opened my wardrobe this morning, a moth flew out. I am now panicking – what if there’s a family nesting in there and my beloved clothes get holes in them? Is there anything I can do to prevent a moth infestation in my closet?”
Nikki, London
A: “There’s currently a moth infestation in London so it’s important that you act now. Moths love cotton, wool, cashmere and especially silk – but what they love even more is laying eggs in materials which are not perfectly clean or are in unaired cupboards.
“Keep woollen, cashmere and silk items and bedding in airtight plastic bags if possible, and make sure your other clothes have been washed before storing them so that there is no ‘source’ where the moth can lay eggs.
“Good old-fashioned Naphthalene balls are still the best tool for moth prevention. On the positive side, they’re cheap and simple to use. However, they are also smelly and hazardous to animals and humans if ingested.
“A healthier way to manage the problem is to use lavender sachets or oils. The smell repels the moths – they can’t stand it, plus your linens and clothes will smell delicious!
“One of the best but most expensive ways to prevent moths is to invest in a cedar closet, as they dislike the scent of the oil in the wood. If it is too complicated or costly to change your cupboards, buy cedar shavings or juniper wood chips, which you can lay at the bottom of your drawers and cupboards in paper bags punctured with holes. Alternatively, hang a piece of cedar in the wardrobe – again, this will have the added benefit of making your clothes smell naturally fresh.”
Answered by Anne Singer, owner of the Monogrammed Linen Shop (020 7589 4033).
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