Since the end of March clothes moth have been reappearing which means that there is a potential risk of damage to your wool items especially cashmere.
It's a common misconception that moth damage is due to the activity of the adult clothes moth. In fact, it is the larvae of the clothes moth which feed on natural fibres such as wool and fur. The female moth will lay her eggs in dark undisturbed areas where there is moisture such as sweat or stains.
To avoid damage to my wool jumpers and carpets I do an occasional spring clean and use deterrents and moth traps. Popular places for the female moth to lay her eggs include underneath sofas, as well as within wardrobes. Vacuuming under furniture in hard to access areas will definitely help and is a good opportunity to check that there is no damage.
For woolen clothes they need to be washed or dry cleaned. Dry cleaning has the added advantage that moths don't like its smell and should be considered for cashmere which the moth loves. Once cleaned I then will put them away in sweater bags if storing for the summer. As deterrents I use lavender and cedar wood.
The one disadvantage of deterrents is that they can stop working and you don't know about it until it is too late. Moth traps then come into play. I use and sell Pheromone moth traps which attract the male, it lands on a sticky pad, cannot escape and dies. It therefore does not mate with the female so she cannot lay her eggs hence stopping the life-cycle.
By Appointment only
Charlotte Gaskell Oriental Carpets
183 Trinity Road, Wandsworth Common
London SW17 7HL
020 8672 3224
http://www.charlottegaskell.com/products/moth_traps.htm
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