Hi Jeanne - I do not use cedar nor is it typically recommended for long-term
storage of woolens. It doesn't really repel the moths and it certainly does
nothing to kill the 'flyers' which lay the larvae, which is what really
damages the fabrics as they crawl along and munch on them. Cedar oils can
stain the textiles/garments and don't really do much to help the situation.
Lavender, another 'housewife' trick, also does nothing to solve the issue.
About the only thing available to a lay person is PDB (Para dichlorobenzene)
moth balls. Regular moth balls don't really do much except smell, but at
least the PDB will help kill the flyers before they can lay more eggs. The
suggestion is typically to put them in a muslin bag and hang them ABOVE the
clothing.
But above else, as with all issues of IMP, cleanliness IS next to Godliness.
Keeping the away cleaned on a regular basis will do more to solve the issue
than anything else (just make sure you get rid of the vacuum bag, observe
usual precautions re: vacuuming objects through a screen, etc.) Having gone
through a 2 year freezing process of a clothing/textile collection, I
wouldn't wish that on my worst enemy. Hope this helps. Best, VivianLea
Stevens
VivianLea Stevens
Curator, Old Barracks Museum
609-396-1776
-----Original Message-----
From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf
Of Jean Kolva
Sent: Wednesday, June 11, 2003 9:17 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Clothing and moths
Does anyone else use cedar lined boxes and closets for long-tern, moth-free
storage of woolens?
Jeanne Kolva
Highland Park Historical Society
Ian Loughead wrote:
> I agree that freezing and vacuuming is the best way to get rid of the
> clothes moths. Wrap everything in tissue then in plastic by itself. This
> will prevent the items from drying out as the tissue will absorb the
> moisture and then release it back to the item. Plus the tissue will
prevent
> water from pooling (such as on the surface of the plastic) which could
lead
> to water stains.
>
> You should do the second freezing for 2 weeks though as this is the
> generally accepted lifespan of the eggs that are layed. The adult moth
> doesn't eat the textile, but the larvae do so it is very important to get
> rid of the eggs.
>
> Good Luck
>
> Ian Loughead
> Conservator
> Fortress of Louisbourg, NHS
> Parks Canada
>
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