Linen and Moths

My understanding is that moths can really only digest animal-based materials, like wool or furs. However they may still eat plant-based fabrics like linen or cotton if they are dirty and have enough sweat/dead skin cells/food stains/etc. which they are attracted to. Probably as long as the linens are clean they should be okay.

Don't know if the sacrificial garment works, but if it does you probably need to keep it in the dark. While adult moths like light, they lay their eggs in dark areas, and the larva that hatch are what eat your clothes.

I have a terrible flu and it hurts to laugh today, but thank you Slew. So far as I have experienced, my linens have never yet suffered moth holes, probably because, like yourself, I have provided them with more tasty alternative treats in woolens. I feel your tactics will gleen dubious results but I admire your ingenuity. Probably better not to bait them at all, if possible.

I left my linen jacket in the wardrobe without any protection for 3 years, no moth holes while my father's cashmere jacket on the side was completely destroyed...Don't know if my experience helps.

As a side note, what do people use for general moth prevention/protection?

I just brush my clothes before hanging back up and dry clean only if absolutely necessary. I used some cedar blocks, but that's about it.

Sorry, too lazy for search right now.

The "bait sweater" idea is hysterical.

I pulled out one of my favorite light wool sweaters this Spring and found several holes.

Here is what I don't get. So the moth makes it into the house through an open door. How the heck does it find it's way through the house and into the closet where it decides to ruin my sweater?

Moths don't just eat any kind of wool, they specifically eat dirty wool, or at least their larvae do. With regular dry cleaning, moths won't find anything appealing to chew upon.

D-

Cedar and camphor are your friends. Also screens on your windows - they can't lay eggs if they can't get in.

-J

Camphor balls.

supermarkets sell those things you can hang in your closets and they repel moths. They are like cedar blocks, but look like camphor.