In a flap over clothes-chomping moths? Here’s 10 simple ways to keep them out of your wardrobe
Record numbers of moths are besieging the UK - here's how to look after your stuff
BRITAIN is under siege from a plague of moths – here to eat your clothes and munch through your carpets.
The record numbers are due to the mild winter and early spring. And experts warn it is only going to get worse in the coming months.
If you can count five or six in a room then you are probably ex-periencing a serious infestation and must act immediately.
Here are NICK PRITCHARD’s ten top tips to stop them bugging you and your clothes.
1. Put lavender sachets, or blocks of cedar wood in your wardrobe as moths hate the smell.
2. Store clothes in sealed bags to put them away for the winter — but make sure they are clean. Wrap any knitwear in acid-free tissue paper.
3. Wrap clothes that cannot be washed in tissue and place in the freezer for 12 hours to kill any larvae.
4. Turn off radiators and open all the windows regularly to allow air to circulate as moths thrive in still, warm conditions.
5. Keep second-hand clothes in sealed plastic bags until they have been thoroughly washed or dry-cleaned.
6. Shake out and brush clothing out-side once or twice a month to dislodge larvae. Give rugs and cushions a good beating and hang on a washing line.
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7. A powerful vacuum can shift eggs from car-pet fibres. Then empty the vacuum or eggs will hatch inside and the moths will fly out again.
8. Moths are known to love stained clothing. Sweat patches and oil from hair products are like a tasty buffet. Get really stained clothes dry-cleaned or wash in water above 48C.
9. Don’t waste time on mothballs. There are more effective methods. Try pheromone cardboard traps. Moths stick to their tacky surface.
10. If all else fails, call in the experts. Pest control companies will fumigate your house for upwards of £100 per room — but you will have to move out for a few days.