Do I have to worry about moths with my wool?

MaybeBabyTime

I just googled moths and wool. Whoa. Is this something that can actually happen? I have one pair of wool longies. Is there something I should do besides adding lavendar to my wool wash??

I am a bug-a-phobic.

Dr.Loretta

You're so cute!

I actually just read about moth problems, and I think you're in the clear. The issue comes when you store away those clothes in the back of a dark closet. As long as your wool is washed regularly and allowed to air out someplace fairly bright, you should be fine. Washing will get rid of any eggs (if there are any to begin with) and the little buggers hate any kind of light.

The take-home from the article was that washing and airing out were all you need.

naturalmom2010

I was wondering about this too! Not so much while they are in use, but for storing for #2 (which if all goes according to plan shouldn't be for at least a few years). Anybody have any tips for storing?

bethandjoe09

I store my wool (sweaters, scarves, etc) with cedar.  You can buy small cedar balls or similar things at hardware stores; I just put them in the rubbermaid container along with the clothes.  You want them to smell like cedar, so if they're getting a little old just sand them down a bit.  Smells a whole heck of a lot better than moth balls, and I haven't had any problems so far.

naturalmom2010

Ohhh, I forgot about cedar! Thank you! haha  I was having visions of pulling out moth ball scented woolies for baby #2

Dr.Loretta

The article I read also strongly discouraged moth balls. The chemicals are toxic. They recommended any herb really--lavender, cedar, rosemary. People think the smells "mask" the smell of wool for the moth larvae.

bethandjoe09

I've actually heard that cedar is a little toxic as well (I remember hearing that you're not supposed to use cedar chips as bedding for rodents because it's bad for them).  I'm not too sure about that, though, because DH and I really enjoy some nice cedar-plank grilled salmon :P  At the very least, cedar would be easier to air out of wool and has got to be less nasty than moth balls.  And if you're (generic "you") still worried about it, you can always wash/relanolize before using.

MaybeBabyTime

Thanks ladies! I guess I will go the cedar way...once I have to put them away for the next LO.