moths

[jurggie]

hi everyone,

I have a few cloth collectibles (uniforms and stuff) that I want to protect against moths.

The problem is that It may not affect the clothing, AND they stand in my bedroom, so it can't be a chemical product which can harm you.

Has anyone an idea of what I can use?

[bobcam1]

Cedar

[bobcam1]

Cedar chest, cedar chips or cedar hangers......hamster bedding is a cheap way to find cedar shavings or chips.

[jurggie]

And how much do I have to use, and wear do I put it, I mean, in every pocket or is that not necessary?

[C. Roelens]

Moths are not the only bug you need to be concerned with.

[juoneen]

Flags, and any cloth items of wool etc...need bagged. Cedar doesn't work, nor mothballs, or sprays, except maybe for a month or two. Space bags might work for larger items such as tunics etc.., although they don't always hold the air tight, but will keep bugs out, and then put the bags in plastic containers. Maybe at best you might put cedar chips in the plastic boxes where you keep the plastic bags , but with bags like ziploc freezer bags...most times cedar chips are not necessary.You can also duct tape the boxes around the tops where they may allow small bugs to enter. I have even used new heavy duty garbage bags with no holes , and folded at the excess at the top, and tied them off with plastic electrical locking pull ties. Then put it in a trunk I doubt if youll have any more trouble with bugs.

[bobcam1]

Flags, and any cloth items of wool etc...need bagged. Cedar doesn't work, nor mothballs, or sprays, except maybe for a month or two. Space bags might work for larger items such as tunics etc.., although they don't always hold the air tight, but will keep bugs out, and then put the bags in plastic containers. Maybe at best you might put cedar chips in the plastic boxes where you keep the plastic bags , but with bags like ziploc freezer bags...most times cedar chips are not necessary.You can also duct tape the boxes around the tops where they may allow small bugs to enter. I have even used new heavy duty garbage bags with no holes , and folded at the excess at the top, and tied them off with plastic electrical locking pull ties. Then put it in a trunk I doubt if youll have any more trouble with bugs.

WOW.....sealing in an airtight bag, then put in a plastic container which is put in a box that is then sealed with duct tape? That method seems okay if one wants to pack their cloth items away in the dark forever and never see them again...

For people who take them out to enjoy them, occasionally, I think less forceful measures are called for. One should make sure that the items have been professionally cleaned first (if you feel comfortable doing that) and then stowed in plastic garment bags.
I'm sure our more knowledgeable conservationist friends could indicate whether or not there are "safe" forms of garment bags available in the proper materials. I'm sure there are, but I don't know of a source.

As to cedar, saying that "cedar doesn't work" as a moth repellent is simply 100% incorrect. It's been a successful and renowned moth repellent for ages.

I'm confused as to why you would indicate that it's useless, then advocate putting cedar in the plastic boxes where you keep the plastic bags.....

In any event, with the use of cedar chips in my closet, I have not had ANYTHING nipped or eaten by moths, in over 30 years.

[jacquesf]

There is a good thread here by PaulR on preventing moth damage. Search this forum under PaulR. Jacques

[C. Roelens]

There are also several very good threads on this subect at www.usmilitariaforum.com.

Chuck

[Si1964]

Lavender is another good natural defence against moth

[sscrooge]

How about a big hungry spider ?

[PMan]

Moths

Has anyone really had a moth problem? I have collected wool items for years and never once had any damage. It is my feeling that most of the moth damage we do see results from years of uninterested storage in attics and basements where the vets stuck the German uniforms under the basement steps or attic and left them there for 25 years. Eventually silver fish or carpet beatles / moth larva found a meal. Am I wrong about this?

[Paul R.]

Peter... This is kind of a crap shoot. Yes I have know people who store things in the most haphazardly way, and only come out with no or limited problems. There is no way to predict who or what could be infested you items You yourself are lucky so far. It’s like predicting who was going to get the H1N1 flu. IMO It’s you and you alone to decide how you want to avoid any problems. Remember these so called treasures are you’re to do as you see fit to display and store them. There are some no brainer common sense approaches when setting up any storage a storage area. If you are interested in creating a basic safety storage area. Consider some of these points
1. Keep that area clean do this weekly. (vacuum, mop, dust, and sweep floors cobwebs) 2. Seal up window and door areas and fix broken screens and windows. 3. Seal floor cracks. 4. Keep humidity in check 24/7-365. 5. Make sure your items are fairly clean bugs are attracted to sweat, grime other thing as such as dander, oily fingers etc. 6. Store them in and good sealing artifact box (acid free preferred I’m not a fan of plastic storage bags) use cedar, lavender; in spring or summer have air moving around (fan). It’s up to you if you want to gamble with your things, or not. These are easy things to invest in doing, and not costly compared to the cost of replacing a SS Generals tunic.

Of course it's your call<O</O

[Stahlhelm]

In any event, with the use of cedar chips in my closet, I have not had ANYTHING nipped or eaten by moths, in over 30 years.

That's certainly some experience that proves the point, Bob! I agree with you as well.

I also agree that, as Paul says, it's a "crap shoot" as to who may be victimized by these pesky creatures. I too prefer not to take the risk, and instead take every precaution to prevent the damage.

Chris

[juoneen]

There are some bugs that will eat your wool items, and cedar will NOT stop them. Of course the better the container, the better the bugs stay out. I used cedar chests with cedar chips, and sprayed with moth spray, and mothballs all around the whole shebang.....and they still got thru.

It depends where you live also. The point is to allow items to breathe, but yet not have bugs get in to eat holes in everything they are attracted to.

I have this pair of higher officer boards , and they had thread V's stitched all over the bullion , and the bugs ate the thread . You can still see it on the back, and not on the front hardly. So however it works for you, just dont forget....wool stuff or anything bugs might eat..really needs to be protected however you decide to protect it from becoming lunch.