Easily $2000 those malevolent moths have stolen.
Cashmere robe, $300, multiple holes.
Persian carpet, $3000+, devalued by at least $1K (actually discovered this last winter and fixed, but I guess they migrated! grrrrr)
Favourite and only truly vintage sweater acquired on The Drive, $50 (but value much higher), a chunk taken right out of it.
Cashmere scarf, $150 on 50% off sale, riddled with holes.
Pashmina, a gift, likely $250, pretty much destroyed.
You get the idea! Yes, there’s more.
NASTY, VICIOUS, WOOL-EATING BUGS! They’re not even the pretty moths. They’re ugly.
It’s my own fault: I noticed them in the summer and was too preoccupied to deal with it. But the 0C weather has arrived and suddenly the full scope of the damage is painfully apparent.
I’ve read the options online for natural moth extinction (lavender, cedar etc.) but if anyone has real-world success stories, I’m listening.
Bummed out in Yellowknife,
Nancy
Photo Credit: Cyanocorax
The best way that I know of is to put all the affected natural fibre yarn(clothing)in the freezer for several days, then take it out and leave at room temperature for several days, then freeze it again. The first round in the freezer kills any moths and/or larvae, then when at room temperature, any eggs left will hatch, then freeze all those little suckers that hatch. Depending upon the severity of your infestation, you may need several freeze/thaw cycles. Hope this helps!
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Nancy (aka Moneycoach) Reply:
October 15th, 2011 at 11:40
Thanks Cyndi. That’s actually what I did w/ my carpet and it worked (benefits of living in the NWT!). I don’t know though that I’ll have the stomach to wear the clothes again, and that’s even assuming they’ll repair, which is doubtful. I think a big garage bag may be what’s called for.
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Hi Nancy,
Ugh! I hate those months! I’ve found multiple cedar shingles in the closet has helped me. A friend once put all she could into the deep freeze. Her couch was down-filled and to battle the moths she wrapped it in heavy plastic, possibly stuffed with mothballs. One last thing – take everything out of the closet, dresser, drawers and wipe them down ceiling to floor – maybe use lavender water. You’ll be surprised & grossed-out how many larvae are coocooned there.
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Nancy (aka Moneycoach) Reply:
October 15th, 2011 at 11:39
well the good news is, in about a month I won’t have to use my freezer. I’ll just put it all outside… Ah man, I kinda don’t even wanna look. I’ll make some lavender water; hope it doesn’t put my off lavender forever
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Hi Nancy, I sympathise and hope they didnt travel home with you in the summer from our lovely visit. I have discovered the beasties have attacked my lovely rug too! it was pushed up with the edge under the hearth where of course it would be dark . I didnt think of that! eek …. Im keen to stop them doing more damage but with a titchy english sized freezer putting it in there isnt an option. Also the weather here is totally bizarre at the moment ……….seriously, I was gathering autumm leaves the other day and found a flowering primrose underneath! The roses are still out too……….but I guess it could freeze over tomorrow? so I am on the hunt for ideas to beat the beasties too.
Do try not to be put off lavender Nance, you will remember my garden is full of it and I really hope you will be spending time here again
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Nancy (aka Moneycoach) Reply:
October 20th, 2011 at 19:01
nah, I don’t think they came back from the UK! regarding your rug, the one thing I know is to keep the rugs underfoot which scares the moths away. A flowering primrose? In October? under the fallen leaves? There’s poetry in that …
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