How can I protect my stash from moths?

[piemashandliquer]

I am building up quite a collection of yarns, some of them a bit on the expensive side, but wont be using them for a while. I've noticed we've had moths in our living room and one or two upstairs in DDs bedroom, but none in ours. I keep the wool in a cloth bag in my wardrobe.

How do I store the wool to stop moths from eating it? I saw some good plastic boxes in town today, but they had some air holes which presumably moths can get through. Do those vacuum bags work?

Also, what moth replellent should I use? I don't want to use any horrible chemicals that might do us harm. I've sprayed some lavender about but have no idea if that does anything.

Anyone had to tackle this?

[ThatBloodyWoman]

Do not keep in plastic bags with openings or natural fibre bags.

But, honest answer? Ask someone else to store them, and treat affected rooms.

[Dutchoma]

Have a look at this. It's not a new article, but probably not much changes

[piemashandliquer]

thanks for your replies. Why are plastic bags a bad idea? Would it help if I used those vacuum bag things? or what about a plastic box without any air holes?

I will sort the initial moth problem out, thanks for the article Dutchoma.

[TwoInTheMourning]

You could try storing your yarn with cedarwood mothballs or sprigs of rosemary. There are other natural solutions like lavender sachets. There's quite a selection in Lakeland.

[mummy1973]

Maybe you can work out where the moths are coming from? They like dark undisturbed places.

[PurpleFrog]

Plastic bags are fine. I have bought a pack of large ziplock ones from eBay. Then I store these in large plastic boxes with lids which stack well.

[Dutchoma]

ThatBloodyWoman said not to store them in plastic bags with openings, closed plastic bags should be fine

[ThatBloodyWoman]

Yes, for example, the bags put over clothes when they come back from the dry cleaners -good breeding grounds.

Cedar may be good as a deterrent, and lavender, but aren't a guarantee by any means.It doesn't hurt a bit to try it though!

[lurkerspeaks]

I use the ikea ziplock bags and have a set of stacking really useful boxes.

(My stash is too big)

[piemashandliquer]

Thanks ll for your tips, have cleaned house top to toe today and got some pheromone traps. Have also put stash and lavender in a plastic box with lid.

[HappydaysArehere]

I have expensive sable brushes to protect. Moths love sable. I have kept them in wooden boxes . One was given as a present which contained small jars of pickles, another had contained whiskey. In other words the right size to do the job.