Moths Exterminate and Protect Wool and Wool Projects

Moths are a common problem for anyone working with wool. Here is a comprehensive guide on what moths are, how to prevent and control them, and how to protect your precious wool and wool projects.

What Are Moths?

Moths are small insects that feed on natural fibres such as wool, cashmere, silk and alpaca. The larvae of these moths are responsible for damage to your materials and textiles. They are attracted to dark, quiet places and feed on keratin, a protein present in natural fibres.

Moth prevention

Preventive Cleaning as Moth Control

Regular cleaning and vacuuming your home, especially in wool storage areas, is crucial. Moth larvae feed on dirt and dust on the fibres, so make sure you clean corners and edges well. This significantly reduces the chances of a moth infestation.

Materials Airtight sealing

Store wool and other natural fibres in airtight containers, grip bags or well-sealed plastic containers. This prevents moths from laying eggs on your fabrics and limits access to food sources. Should things do go wrong, this way you also limit the damage that can be done.

Ventilation and Air Circulation Helps Against Moths

Moths like dark and airy spaces. By airing your wool regularly and ensuring adequate air circulation, you will make the environment less attractive to moths. This can easily be done by hanging out your materials and wool projects regularly. For example, we ourselves have fans hanging in our warehouse in the wool departments that keep the air moving. In short, simply airing and exposing your fibres to air circulation helps against moths!

Use of Moth Boxes as moth extermination

Moth boxes with pheromones are effective to trap moths and signal their presence. These traps attract male moths, reducing reproduction and giving you an early warning of a possible infestation.

Repel By Smell

Moths dislike certain scents such as those of cedar, mothballs, lavender and essential oils. Use cedar pendants, blocks or rings in your storage areas. Place sachets of lavender or dried orange peels in your cupboards and drawers. Drizzle lavender or cedar essential oils on the sachets regularly to keep the scent strong. We ourselves recommend the Aries Anti moth spray.

Moths Control

Control of moths by freezing or heating in the oven

To kill moth larvae and eggs, keep your wool in a freezer at -18°C for at least 72 hours.

An alternative method is to heat the wool in an oven at 50°C for 30 minutes.

Use of Iron for controlling Moths

You can use an iron to locally kill moth larvae by heating the fabric. This is useful for smaller items or specific areas where you suspect moth activity.

Use of Slug wasps for Moth control

An innovative and natural method of controlling moths is to use parasitic wasps (such as Trichogramma evanescens). These wasps lay their eggs inside the eggs of moths, preventing them from hatching. Parasitic wasps are harmless to humans and pets and disappear on their own once all moth eggs have been parasitised.

With these tips and methods, you can effectively control moths and protect your precious wool and wool projects. Remember to check regularly for signs of moths and take preventive measures to avoid future moth infestations.