Finding moths in stored blankets, clothing, and other fabrics is a nightmare. Moths lay their eggs in the folds of the fabric and create holes as they devour the fibers. Mothballs are an effective way to prevent moths and keep them out of stored fabrics, but the smell is overpowering. After storing clothes and other fabrics with mothballs it is very difficult to get rid of the smell, but smelly mothballs are not required to prevent moths. There are a number of natural ways to get rid of moths and keep them out of stored items for good. Consider the following natural ways to get rid of moths instead of using smelly mothballs, and keep your fabrics free from fabric-devouring insects and their larvae.
Soap Slivers
Instead of storing clothes and other fabrics with smelly mothballs, save your soap slivers. Place them in a zipper bag, and poke about one dozen holes in the bag on each side. Moths hate soap, especially deodorant varieties, and the smell will keep them from taking up residence in clothing stored fabrics.
Natural Cedar Blocks
Cedar has long been touted as a natural way to prevent moths, but not everyone has the benefit of an aromatic cedar chest or a cedar lined closet. Visit your local home improvement store, and ask if they have any natural cedar scraps they would be willing to sell. Otherwise, look for cedar blocks in the storage solution aisle of discount stores. Cedar blocks are not cheap, but the smell is far better than the odor of mothballs, and the cedar blocks will effectively prevent moths and their larvae.
Bagged Cedar Shavings
Cedar shavings are also natural and are far less expensive than cedar blocks. They are just as effective at preventing moths in stored clothing and other fabrics. Fill large zipper bags with cedar shavings, and poke a dozen or more holes in each side. The natural scent of the aromatic cedar will prevent moths and the damage they cause.
Shrink Wrap Fabrics
If clothing or other fabrics will be stored for an extended period of time, consider shrink wrapping. Search online for specially designed vinyl bags that can be attached to a vacuum cleaner hose. The air will be sucked out of the bags, and they will remain sealed and safe from moths until you are ready to remove them. This natural way to store seasonal clothing and blankets does not involve anything that emits an odor, and high-quality bags are a good investment. With proper care they will last indefinitely.
Sealed Plastic Containers
Plastic is not natural, but sealing out insects is a natural way to prevent the damage they cause. Instead of storing clothing and other fabrics in penetrable paper sacks or cardboard boxes, consider investing in plastic containers with tight-fitting lids. If space is a factor, select boxes that can be slid beneath a bed or stacked in a closet. Moths and their larvae will not be a problem, and the clothing or other stored fabrics will be clean, well preserved, and ready to use when needed.
