MOTH PROTECTION FOR THE CLOSET
Many people are sad when they discover little holes in the best of their clothing due to moth or beetle infestation. Early spring rain and long hot summers can cause the over growth of the cloth eating moths throughout our homes and especially in our closets. With solitude peace, darkness, and warmth, moths have their private affairs in our drawers, closets, and attics during the times we store our seasonal clothing away and on the garments we seldom wear.
CLOTH MOTHS
The larvae of the species family Tineidae cloth moths can eat and damage the animal protein keratin found in hair, wood, fur, feathers, and other materials. An infestation of these moths start when an adult moth flies into an opened window or door or are brought in on a piece of clothing. Traveling over seas and bringing clothing with the moth larvae into the closet may be the cause of a major infestation. These moths are small, just a quarter-inch wide and cannot fly well. They will generally be seen low to the floor, on the carpets fluttering around searching for a place to nest their fabric eating cocoons. The adult moths are a beige-brown, making them even harder to see. The moths will concentrate their nesting in dark crevices and creases, behind lapels, in pockets where fabric is folded and on the edges of wall to wall carpets.
SIMPLE STEPS FOR CLOTHING PROTECTION
1. Clean your garments before storing. Moths, like little bits of food and body secretions mixed with their fabric meal. Very hot water or dry cleaning solution will do the job.
2. Store your finest clothing, such as cashmere and tasty wool in sealed boxes or closed drawers.
3. Use lavender or lavender and cedar sachet potpourri herbs or spray. Lavender aromatic oils are most effective when their scents are sealed within a box or a drawer with the clothing it is protecting. Refer to sources below for lavender products to protect your clothing from these little pests.
4. If you have a serious infestation, all clothing of woolens, silk, hair, furn, and feathers will have to be professionally cleaned or washed in hot water. The closet will have to be thoroughly vacuumed in all corners, floors and ceiling.
These steps are not infallible, so by all means keep your clothes well organized and in clear view with adequate lighting. Remember it is the clothing we rarely use hidden away that give the moth their easiest fast-food meal.
THE MAGIC OF LAVENDER
Lavender is a natural and effective insect and moth repellent. Scientists are attempting to isolate the chemical component that deter these little creatures in order to patent and manufacture it into a simple product. In the mean time, we have the luxury of these beautiful fragrant flowers growing naturally in the fields of California and the Provence of France.
ELIZABETH W - SAN FRANCISCO'S FINEST!
In the famous Ghirardelli Square of San Francisco, just across from the fountain and the Ghirardellit Chocolate Cafe is Elizabeth W. Since 1995, they have been creating an array of luxurious lavender scented gifts for the closet and clothing drawers. From exquisitely sewn sachets to hanger covers and other closet accessories using the finest perfumed California lavenderwww.ElizabethW.com
MATANZAS CREEK WINERY AND LAVENDER GARDENS
Matanzas Creek Winery and Lavender Gardens nested in the foothills of eastern Sonoma County grow some of the most aromatic, healthy, lavender in California. With their perfectly landscaped lavender gardens they harvest their own lavender into beautiful sachets and gifts for the home and closets. A favorite is their aromatic lavender oil spray.www.MatanzasCreek.com
Malka of RC Cabinets & Closets
Fine Family Owned Creators of Custom Cabinets & Closets
RC Cabinets & Closets
