MOTH ATTACK

As you read this blog, moths are hatching. They are in your wardrobe or wool stash, and ruining everything.  I would like to share tips on how to prevent this happening.

Moths,  (I don't mean fat moths that fly around candles, but the little ones that fly slowly) live off protein fibres, such as wool or silk.  They find them tastier if they are sweaty, or have dusting of your skin.  Moth are shy to hatch, so prefer dark corners like the inside of your bottom draw.

Moth eggs look like grains of sand. They are usually laid on protein, so that the caterpillar has something to eat as it hatches. Arrow no. 2 points to some blurd moth eggs!

Once the caterpillar hatches, and makes holes in your favourite wool,  it makes a cocoon, as shown by arrow 1. It can look like a string of white/ silver fluff.

To prevent moth attack, wash woolens well before putting them back in the draw for the summer. Hoover draws and wardrobe, at least once a year, preferebly on a sunny day, and ask a friend to help you if you find it boring, swapping wardrobe's is much more interesting. 

Moths hate light so a big shake in bright sunlight, they will all drop out.

If a treasured piece does contract moth colony, shake it and put it in the freezer for a month or so, then dry clean or wash. 

Then there's old moth balls... bit smelly but can help and the same goes for cedar wood. 

Here at Prick Your Finger, we haven't had a moth attack yet. All our stock is sealed in plastic boxes and we have moth traps up. They are a bit like a fly trap, in that they attract the males, who then get stuck, HA HA! www.pest-stop.co.uk

Please look after your wool this spring....We sell cedar hearts for your draw and a moth wash made from essential oils, and if the worst comes to the worst, you can rely on our darning service and classes which start in September.