Thanks to global warming, clothes moths, of which there are three varieties found in the UK, are on the increase. These are: Tineola bisselliella (the Webbing Clothing Moth); Tinea pellionella (the Case-bearing Clothes Moth; Trichophaga tapetiella (the Tapestry or Carpet Moth). They all feed on clothing and natural fibres, wool being favourite. They love dark, warm and above all humid places and are particularly attracted by the smell of human sweat. It's the larvae that do the damage. The adult moth lays its eggs in warm, dark moist places. When the eggs hatch, the larvae start munching. If disturbed or they find themselves in a well-lit place, the larvae will try to hide under furniture, rugs, carpets, and along skirting boards where human and animal hair and dust collect.
So how do you protect your warm and woollies? Here's our advice:
Never put your merino away without washing it first.
Wear it and air it. If it's constantly in use, the moths won't get the chance to nest and nibble.
If you must put it away for any length of time, use a sealable plastic bag.
Vacuum out your wardrobe and drawers regularly.
Vacuum (especially around skirting boards and under carpets, and move furniture and rugs regularly.
Don't use the older type of commercial mothballs. They are highly toxic, often containing napthalene and/or paradichlorobenzine. Permethrin and Pyrethroids are modern alternatives.
Moths dislike strong smells, so a more natural approach is to use essential oils of cloves, lavender or cedar instead.
We found this recipe, which you can smear on to paper or cottonwool balls and tuck into your drawers and wardrobe. Don't, however, let it come into direct contact with your merino. Replace regularly as once the smell starts to fade, it will stop working.
To 50ml of a carrier oil (grapeseed oil is good) add:
20 drops essential oil of Cedar Wood
20 drops essential oil of Lemon
20 drops essential oil of Rosemary
20 drops essential oil of Sage
10 drops essential oil of Cloves
