Natural Products to Protect Wool Clothes Instead of Using Moth Balls

Protect your woolens from moths naturally.

Wool and moths are just made for each other. Female moths seek out the dark corners of your closet to lay eggs. These hatch into hungry larvae that start to munch on your sweaters. Mothballs are a traditional treatment for these pests, but you don't need those little balls of smelly chemicals. You can protect your woolens with proper cleaning, storage and natural repellents.

Before Storage

The moth larvae are attracted to dirt, body oils and food splatter, so before storing your woolens for the season, wash or dry clean them. Don't limit the laundry to sweaters, pants and coats; be sure to include scarves, hats, gloves, mittens and socks. Clean the storage space to remove any dust or dirt that may attract the larvae. Wash and dry clean any thrift store or garage sale finds too.

Storage Choices

After cleaning the woolens, store them in moth-proof containers. For sweaters and accessories, try plastic tubs with lids. For larger items like coats or blankets, remove the dry cleaner's bags and store your items in breathable storage bags. Choose light colors over dark because larvae like dark corners and privacy.

Herbal Repellant

There are many herbs that repel moths, including lavender flowers, rosemary, eucalyptus leaves and bay leaf. If you have an herb garden, these herbs are easy to grow. If not, select fragrant dried herbs. Mix them together in a potpourri with some dried lemon peel. Add some essential oils of lavender or rosemary and it stir gently. Spoon the mixture onto squares of toile, and tie it closed with ribbons. Loop them over the hangers or toss into the storage boxes.

Cedar

Fragrant cedar is also a moth repellent. You can add cedar chips to the potpourri or put them in the storage containers. You can also consider building a cedar chest that will store the woolens and protect them at the same time. If you already have a chest, you can line it with cedar planks. If you're handy with woodworking tools, or know someone who is, build your own chest. Or look for them in flea markets, antique stores or estate sales.

References

• P. Allen Smith Garden Home: Herbal Moth Repellent
• Earth Easy: Natural Insect Pest Control
• "Home Comforts"; Cheryl Mendelson; 1999