How to Save Your Sweaters

Does anyone really use mothballs anymore? If so, yuck! The smell is simply disgusting, not to mention they are toxic (and since they are small, they are a major hazard for little kids). So how do you keep little pests from eating hole in your sweaters, blankets and coats? Try these strategies to save your sweaters.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A vaccuum cleaner
• Moth traps

1. Take care of cedar chests and closets. The moth-fighting scent wears off over time, so they don't work unless you reapply cedar oil every year or two and keep them tightly sealed.

2. Clean sweaters and blankets regularly. Moths are attracted to human hair, perspiration stains and lint.

3. Vacuum--a lot. It's one of the best ways to remove moth larvae. Use a nozzle attachment to clean along baseboards, the edge of carpets and the insides of closets (especially the corners).

4. Try moth traps. These nontoxic sticky traps use pheromones to lure male moths.

5. Make a natural moth repellent by mixing together dried mint, lavender, rosemary, thyme and ginseng, along with a generous handful of cloves. Pour into small fabric pouches and place bags in drawers and on shelves.

6. Kill moths by freezing. If you find bugs in a blouse or sweater, you can seal it in a plastic bag and freeze it for three days.