How I Prevent Wool Moths From Getting In My Spinning Fibers And Hand Knits

[@troldgjort7235]

I´m a museum conservator from Denmark. As others here mention, we genererally quarantine and freeze preventatively and also freeze (followed by thorough cleaning) as treatment for active infestations. If you freeze, it's a good idea to use the "power freeze" funktion on your freezer (if it's got one). This is meant to speed up the freezing process, but in actuality it acts by simply lowering the temperature of the freezer quite a bit. Normal frozen foodstuffs are usually kept at about -18 degrees Celcius, but ideally you actually want to go as low as -35 degrees Celcius, to achieve efficient effect on larvae and eggs both! Also if you don't freeze fast enough, the insects will actually to some degree be able to compensate for the cooling down by producing a kind of internal antifreeze liquid and going dormant (remember that they also survive really cold winters in the wild). You need to freeze for at least a week in a household freezer, and preferably two. You power company might send you a greeting card, but you also might save your wool! Also important: Seal your wool (or other infected stuff) airtight in plastic bags, vakuum bags or heavy duty cling film before freezing, and DO NOT remove the sealing before it been acclimatized to normal room temperature again - that way, you will not get air moisture condensation directly on to (and into) your wool. Otherwise it's rarely a good idea to store wool products in airtight plastic - especially if it's raw wool but even clean and seemingly dry commercial yarn might sweat and condensate in plastic, if the temperature fluctuates (ig. if the sun sometimes shines onto the plastic). Hope this was helpful!

[@JillianEve]

Very helpful, thank you so much!

[@Bluewaterpinessantarosabeach]

@@JillianEve Sun, and fresh air and light will kill these creepiest. Lay out your pieces in the hot summer sun on a DRY day. Biff gone. Shake out your pieces regularly. And, I must repeat keep your wool in zippered bags, cloth( canvas) with clear sides, or tags for Id are preferred. Plastic is not good for wool long term. By long term I mean seasonally. Cloth bags are best.

[@sofiamentz1791]

can you explain the quarantine process as well please

[@mossowski96]

What I've found works wonders on moths is incense. I'm an archaeologist and one interesting thing I've seen is that (at least here in Europe) wood tends to preserve best in old churches (of all other old buildings). There's rarely any signs of termites or other bug related damage. I've had a thought it might be connected to the incense burning in churches. I've tried it at home (I live in an apartment block and we've had moth infestation a couple of times, they spread between flats via the common ventilation shaft) and for the past 3 years that I've been burning incense (once every 4-5 months) I've only had a few lonely moths come in but no colony and no larvae - my neighbors still have them. So it seems to be working fine. I'm burning myrrh and frankincense resins for anyone interested. Hope it helps.

[@c.c.1366]

Very interesting! Thanks for sharing.

[@janewood6928]

We have just had a carpet moth infestation. Had the professionals in for first of two sprays yesterday. I have loads of incense so am going to try your suggestion.

[@TheStitchWitchPodcast]

Yes incense has always been good for us!

[@bethholness5153]

My gran always used bay leaves and cloves in both her pantry and yarn and fabric stash. She made little calico bags and dropped the herbs in them. I do the same, a habit of a lifetime.

[@eileenfb1948]

Thank you for that advice about bay leaves (I have a tree) and cloves, which I also have. Just need to make some bags.

[@bethholness5153]

Hi, if no time for bags just bundle up in a square of fabric and tie it off like a herb bundle for a stew. It's just as effective and at least you know the stash is protected while you find time to make small bags.

[@janeshipley6993]

i had watched a video of a woman in nj who used to work in museum conservation, who said that spices ultimately become moth food, so not to use them, i think unless you change them often.

[@bethholness5153]

True, my gran would replace them at the start of every season, so 4 times a year. She used calico bags for her yarn and fabric in her linen cupboard, not sure how she kept the herbs in her pantry.I vaguely remember small bags?..

[@Jedapoo]

firstly, you are right to fear those beasts. When my stash was invaded I saw a little grub frantically retreating back into its house.... The problem was that it's house was my handspun yarn. Remember the grain moths? Everywhere. I threw almost everything away. Secondly, I can't believe I didn't think of the freezer!!! I do that with my flour but never thought to freeze my wool. I usually freeze grain for one month so I guess freeze wool for a month? Third, this video says it's been out a day, but I can only see it on my tablet. It doesn't show on your profile on my phone YT app or my laptop. Might want to check that, as this vid should have soooo many more views. You deserve a billion likes for your labors of horror!

[@JillianEve]

Thank you! I'm so sorry you lost your precious yarn and wool! Here's to no more moths! 🧶💜😊

[@rurone]

I lost a beloved beret (among a number of other woolen items) to moths. Sticky traps helped reverse the curse, but another thing to consider: Pet beds. Moths evolved to eat hair, and our fur babies line their favorite places with an open buffet. Every so often, it's a good idea to clean any places that tend to accumulate fur, including favorite cardboard boxes/scratching posts, cat towers, and beds. Pay most attention to crevices and corners that don't get exposed to light. I like to put on a pair of rubber gloves and run a finger along the inside seams/nooks/crannies: It's easier than getting out the vacuum cleaner attachment, it does a pretty good job, and you can inspect the fur for signs of moths (like casings, feces, etc). It can be a good idea to post sticky traps near places like a cat tower in a darker corner or your dog's bed in the laundry room and check on them from time to time.

[@claudiacampbell3948]

This is a much needed conversation, thanks for doing this video! I fought with wool moth for YEARS! I had the tube builders . The best way to tell which bags/boxes are infested when you don't see them yet is to look on the bottom for little grainy bits of moth waste. Even after eliminating the source, a bag of pancake mix that we seldom used, they were everywhere. I bagged up wool in black plastic bags and left it in the sun and the hot car. I raised sheep so there was a lot of wool. I have bagged it and left it in the car during N. MN winter when it was exposed to -30 temps. I poured bottles of lavender EO in the bags on it. I put up moth traps for these specific moths. All these things helped to knock down the population, but didn't quite get rid of them. I ended up tossing every bag that showed any signs of moths. I still see an occasional moth. Time for more traps. I rinse my spun yarn with hair cream rinse an do the same with my wool garments. So far, haven't had a problem with moths in anything treated that way. I don't think they like the taste. I'd much rather deal with nesting mice or chipmunks and squirrels stashing their nuts in it. Way easier to deal with.

[@westrose586]

Really important subject! I freeze and refreeze and store in plastic until use. Also, I used a lemon scented wood oil and used a paper towel to wipe onto doors or baseboards around where I thought the pests might be laying eggs. Ever so often a hatching of several would fly into the oil and get stuck there. It is very important to keep sweat and food off of the fiber so always wash and they will go elsewhere. Rosemary, lavender and other very strong smelling herbs also work well - you have already heard or known about Cedar.

[@ChayatsujiKimono]

Re cedar being (in general) insect repellant, you're right! This is the reason why you find chest of drawers commonly being made out of cedar or paulownia (kiri) wood in Asia. I know those typical Japanese kimono closets were historically, and are still, made from those types of wood to prevent not-so-wanted-critters getting to the fabrics, especially silks and wools. I know people who keep small blocks of either wood in their drawers with their regular clothing, especially those who live in more humid climates. Pretty much like what you have ^^

[@lavonakirtley9280]

Dried bay leaves scattered throughout your pantry will help deter both pantry moths, and flour weevils.

[@kieraoona]

for anyone who goes with the freezer method, from what I had with conversations with conservators and to put items in quarantine when getting them shipped in from overseas from the Textile Museum here in Toronto, They have a freezer rotation where they put the garments for 6 weeks in the freezer, then they let it thaw for...I think they said a week? (have to cross check), then they put it in the freezer for another 6 weeks to kill anything in the fibers.

[@jdmosaics]

Thanks for this info….I would think that the wool from the freezer would have to be dried thoroughly before placing into plastic bags. We are in the semi tropics and everything gets mouldy pretty quickly in the wet season… 😬

[@Space_Trucker]

Totally agree about never using mothballs. Growing up, my friend's mom used to use mothballs in her closet as a preventative measure. The smell had permeated the house so intensely that I will forever associate that smell with her home. I once told my friend that her house smelled weird - boy did she not like hearing that! But for those of us who have a good sense of smell, mothballs are intolerable. Now knowing that they are a poison makes me dislike them even more. Thanks for the informative video.

[@lunalucid]

Oh, I can relate to that a lot! Whenever my windows are open I can tell if my neighbor downstairs has opened her windows too because of that nasty smell of mothballs coming in. I don't even want to know how intense the smell must be inside the apartment or how many toxic substances must be in the air, like, I don't even want to breathe in that whiff making it's way up to my window. 😅

[@JillianEve]

I guess it's reassuring that you won't get an infestation from that house. 😲 Happy spinning! 🧶💜😊

[@ciarasorensen1954]

I recently inherited my grandma’s yarn and spinning stash. I found evidence of larvae when I was packing things up at her house. When I brought it home every was quarantined in the garage until it had been through a couple freeze thaw cycles and non fiber items where cleaned. Hopefully that did the trick 🤞. After watching the video I think I should get some pheromone traps too.

[@stitchwithbritt5922]

Very informative video☺️ I think people also use Lavender pouches to protect their clothing and fiber too.

[@sonjanordahl3158]

I started watching this video and thought wow she is upset. I bet she just lost a bunch of yarn. Then you explained. Now I must complement you on making this video. Phobias are terrible thing to face. This was also nicely informative. I thought moth balls were those horrible stinky things that drove moths away. For me, so far, my biggest fiber pest is my cats. If I leave a roving or batt undefended, they think it is their job to kill it. 🤪🤯

[@CobraCreates]

I'm someone who's on the complete opposite side of the spectrum. I love bugs so much. Once when I was at a friend's house for a bonfire a moth landed on my hand to rest. I let it chill out there and it stayed for probably an hour. I named it Tabitha 😂 My stash is stored either in ziploc bags in a bin upstairs (that gets both quite hot in the summer and pretty chilly in the winter) or in cleaned out peanut butter jars with a cedar ball inside for good measure. I'm mostly just happy I found a way to reuse all the peanut butter jars I end up with 😅

[@MrsRoses-mm8tx]

I have been wondering how to store fiber now that I am running out of room in the house. I was considering storing fiber in my barn where it get really hot and really cold. I wonder if these temperature changes mess up the fiber even when stored in a way that keeps critters out.

[@oakstrong1]

@@MrsRoses-mm8tx I can't imagine it does, because it can get really hot under the sun for the sheep and of course the wool protects the sheep through arctic winters.

[@mandyperlaky570]

I wish I didn’t have any experience to share, but several years ago when my kids were really little and my knitting went to the back burner I got careless with how I was storing my yarn and started having problems. These days I am very careful about making sure everything is cleaned well before storing, I store in plastic, I try to go through things frequently, and I have pheromone traps in the closets/near wool. I have learned that the adults come out looking for a good time once the temperatures consistently hit about 70 F and I often get a lot in traps if it is hot and rainy. They hang around until the temps fall back below the 70s again in fall. If I do leave any wool out during those warmer months I make sure to examine it every few days. Individual eggs are too small to see, but freshly laid eggs look yellow/white and crusty, like you dripped ice cream on your sweater or something. I know, so gross! But by checking like that I did save a cardigan. I gave it a couple good hot washes and as soon as it was dry it went in the freezer and back out for a few freeze/thaw cycles. That was a couple years ago and I am happy to report I got to it before anything hatched and did damage. I try to do really good deep cleans in areas I store stuff too so there is less to attract them and fewer places for them to hide and For good measure I use lavender scented cleaner.

[@mytrueserenity5666]

Very timely as I am fighting moths and carpet beetles. I have the two types of pheromone traps, and interestingly, I seem to be trapping more Indian meal moths /grain moths. I suspect some love to nest in clothing or home textiles, but I have yet to find much evidence. My plan has been to freeze for 30 days, leave out at room temp for a week and freeze again. With it being summertime and I have a black car, I do put these items in the trunk for a good week or so. After the freeze/heat treatment, I make sure all is good and dry, bag it up, throw a few lavender sachets, and store in waterproof/pest-proof plastic bins - the ones that have a gasket and click to close on all four sides. I may try the cedar oil you mentioned as well. The carpets/rugs get vacuumed and washed regularly, I wash with white vinegar to help with carpet beetles. I have seen a few spiders around here, too. Hopefully, this all with help to eradicate these little buggers.

[@bethliebman8169]

OK, Evie, I caught that shudder of revulsion. You are brave to make this video! Knock wood, I have yet to have any infestation in my stash. I have a couple of cedar chests where I store a lot of wool items. I have a wonderful sensory memory of the way the spare blankets that came out of the cedar chest smelled. However, my grandmother was a big believer in mothballs. Her whole house had that tell-tale camphor smell. I also think it is important to never store wool garments for the winter that have food spills on them. I try to wash these items prior to storing.

[@JillianEve]

Oh yes! Having wool clean when going into storage is very important. The little grubs like their food extra tasty. Happy spinning! 🧶💜😊

[@CheapEngineerCrafts]

Carpet beetles will go for soiled cotton, too. Threw out cotton underwear my hubby threw on the basement floor after exercising. They had numerous small holes in the fabric. Also rodents can gnaw through plastic bins if they are motivated

[@CrowingHen]

About 10 years ago, I lost my entire wool and yarn stash to moths. It was devastating, but now I'm hypervigilant about how I keep my stash. I keep it clean, dry, and in small bins (wool rot is a terrible thing if the wool is stashed wet - and the fibre can hold up to 30% of its weight in moisture before feeling damp). That way if the dreaded mothra strikes again, the damage will be limited. It's emotionally difficult to watch this video, especially seeing the moths. But I'm also joyful they haven't come back to haunt me. And I wish I had known this stuff when I first started knitting and playing with yarn.

[@Ann-ed1bq]

I use big Rubbermaid trash cans with lids. I lay my bags of raw wool inside and snap the lid on. I keep these in my storage unit as I work through my wool. I have one can for the raw and four for the clean. I also use these to store my yarn overflow. I’ve had yarn stored for six years in garbage bags in the trash cans. It stays dry and still smells fresh.

[@sabrinazarogoza8686]

I could be wrong, but I think this was something I learned from Sarah A. Chrisman. To store woolen and silk in things made of cotton, like pillow cases, etc Make sure it is something that seals well though. The premise is that since moths will not eat plant fiber, they won't have a way to get to your animal fibers.

[@QuzieSuzieQ]

I also am terrified of moths!

[@evewagand3374]

I am trying adding dry ice to wool I am storing for a longer period of time--I put the wool in a totally sealable container with some dry ice. As it vaporizes it releases CO2, and replaces the air in the crate. When the crate starts to bulge you need to be around to "burp" it (so it does not break). Since whatever is in there will not be able to breathe, then even eggs that hatch will go nowhere. Hopefully this will help. New to spinning, but I love my wool sweaters and coats.

[@Bellbebell]

“fibre in my lipstick,” lol!

[@JillianEve]

Every time! 💋🤣🤣🤣

[@Bellbebell]

@@JillianEve that’s how we know it’s an Evie vid!!!

[@lifeisgood9889]

That fiber you dyed is beautiful! Could you do a video on it?

[@JillianEve]

Yes! Eventually...I have so many video topics to make. Happy spinning! 🧶💜😊

[@Typhoonyoon]

Oh my goodness! I am fighting this battle right now. A good friend of mine sent me black sheep’s fleece with natural materials still on them from his ranch, including moth eggs attached (without my knowledge). I didn’t realised until they started spawn. They have infiltrated to my one of my nice fancy fleece batch from the farm in Indy, and I am so upset. It took me hours combing through the batch and separate them in small bundle to observe further. The fleece around them are disintegrating upon touch. Thank you for this video.

[@juliesellars969]

Thanks for this - I admit, I am concerned about carpet beetles and moths. Do you know if there are pheromone traps for carpet beetles? I guess I could look it up, just wondering if anyone uses those? I have lavender sachets everywhere in my craft room. I hope that it deters moths, but even if it doesn't, I love the scent.

[@JillianEve]

Not that I know of, but I'll keep an eye out. I love lavender too! Happy spinning! 🧶💜😊

[@StephanieMayfieldDIG]

Thanks for talking about this despite your feelings on the subject. I have wee moths in the house and can't figure out what I'm dealing with. I put up both types of sticky traps, nothing. I have combed through everything I can think of. Froze all my wool. Can't figure out where the wee beasties are hiding. Maddening.

[@bunhelsingslegacy3549]

I've got something that came in on garden produce and has been making moths in the house, they seem to be pantry moths rather than wool-eating moths, thankfully. But I still store wool garments in giant ziploc bags if they don't live in the cedar chest...

[@carolharper268]

I bought some pillow cases and quilt covers from a charity shop. I use ties to fasten the tops and put labels on so I know what’s in there. 🥰Great video 😀

[@debbieperea95]

Nancy I’m praying for you ✝️🙏 🧡. I agree no sense in stressing. I had this happen 16-17 years ago and I’m still with no issues. Loved the new yarn 🧶

[@randirycroft4385]

Randi Love your topic this time, moths have been worry for me. I knitted a sweater almost finished then left it for a year while I did two other sweaters. Came back to it and seeing those holes ugg! knew what had happened. I have put all mine now into plastic sealed containers, Just a point you mentions vacuum bags they expand without any intruders they have to be squashed into small space to stop them from expanding, so not such good signal for bugs.

[@ABLovescrafting]

Thank you so much taking one for the team and making this video!

[@QuzieSuzieQ]

I quarantine everything new coming into my craft room. I store all my fibers in organza bags after quarantine. All my yarn is behind glass. If I suspect any moths everything goes into plastic bags to be monitored. If I see any moths I don’t risk it, I throw the item out. Especially if it isn’t in an already finished project.

[@thewalnutwoodworker6136]

All of my fiber lives in plastic.

[@JillianEve]

Agree, I don't want to risk it either. Happy spinning! 🧶💜😊

[@thewalnutwoodworker6136]

@@JillianEve I found out that I have clothes moths in my basement. I found holes in a few of my store bought sweaters. I looked at my yarn and found nothing. I placed a clothes moth trap with my yarn to be safe.

[@decadentbelle]

Thanks for braving the ick to share this important information!

[@valeriegeorgevitch3876]

I left a like -- felt odd -- who likes moths -- haha -- great information .... I have cedar that I use and I have put things in the freezer ... my favorite cardigan sweater was stored in an attic for awhile and when I moved and pulled it out I found little holes (I felt they must have been from moths) I washed the sweater and put in the freezer for a week. Then I had fun and did some visible mending and now I have a new favorite sweater with really cute woven visible mending. I too have a moth phobia -- I freak anytime the door is open at night with a light on .....

[@JillianEve]

I love visible mending. I'm glad you were able to save it! Happy spinning! 🧶💜😊

[@rashna671]

When I was a wee beginning spinner I had carpet beetles attack my stash! I was devastated at the time because i only had 4 items in my stash and 2 had to go in the trash. :( One thing that gets me thinking back is that i found some of them in my acrylic fiber? They were already dead by the time I caught them so my assumption is that they moved from the wool (those ones were disgustingly alive) and then starved to death but who knows, it could have been a different insect a together. I now store both sweaters and fibers with lavender sachets or soap to prevent this tragedy from ever repeating and also wash them with that soap.

[@billcorcoran2728]

My friends Austrian mom swears by satchels of whole cloves. It’s a strong smell but not unpleasant. It keeps the moths away

[@JillianEve]

I like the smell of cloves! I might toss a few around my stash too! Happy spinning! 🧶💜😊

[@bunhelsingslegacy3549]

I think it's carpet beetles (ok, their larvae) that do the most damage in my house, I do find them in the corners where rabbit floof collects and sometimes under laundry that gets left out too long (I'm a slob married to a slob, we live out of the clean clothes pile, deal with it, carpet beetles have been known to get into drawers and shelves too). I only ever see moths on the main floor but everything they're interested in is generally in sealed containers, so they only get at what's been spilled and not cleaned up in the backs of the cupboards. I use a little dusting of diatomaceous earth there and on the carpet under my bed where the vacuum doesn't fit to keep things down to a dull roar. And now that I've started working with wool fabrics, I'm starting to put everything in big-ass ziploc bags with a little cedaror lavender oil on a tissue. It's not a bad idea to quarantine, wash or heat treat pretty much any textile that comes into any home, with bedbugs on the rise, my city's even had to treat public transit for bedbugs and I've had to have two apartments at work treated this summer. Also, thanks for discussing a topic which makes you so obviously uncomfortable.

[@vane_lao]

My way of keeping the moths away of my yarns, clothes and books (yes, they eat paper too!) is to keep everything clean and airy, plus using dehumidifiers - those plastic pots covered by calcium chloride that attract the water of the closet, drawer, box, etc - because they enjoy humid stuff. The tip of paying attention to spiders is really clever! Thank you so much for sharing all this good info here 😊💖

[@woochles]

Paradichlorobenzene smells better than naphthalene moth balls. It's just a bit hard to find sometimes. You can store your finery goodness in plastic bags, and then put them in a plastic bin with mothballs and not only does it kill any incursions of moths, but the smell doesn't permeate he fiber as much. It airs out pretty well. The odor also deters mice when it's kept in a bin.

[@maggiepatterson7949]

i am concerned with any benzene chemical ...

[@raysunshine830]

We bought a wooden dresser that had those wood beetles. They look a lot like carpet beetle as an adult. The beetles made it into our toilet paper stash in my son’s bathroom! We had to bug spray and I used a wood polish to seal up the dresser.

[@cynthiad9445]

3 years ago when I just started spinning, I did not know about the moths. Sure enough they came and ate everything!! I lost 3 garbage bags of wool, wool yarn, and even some of my acrylics. Nothing was safe and I lost my passion for knitting and spinning for a time. I immediately threw everything away. I now store everything in plastic bags, in plastic containers. Nothing wool or wool blend is ever kept out. Ever. I have only seen a few here and there so I am using the pheromones traps, the SLA spray, cedar blocks and made my own sachet bags. I am hoping I never see another one again and my heart aches for anyone that has to deal with them!!!

[@shell91]

At last someone else who has a phobia about moths. Cannot abide them. Or grasshoppers. Definitely kill them with fire. Freezing is a great idea, I also freeze my flour, rice, and pasta. I keep my wool in the clear plastic totes in clear plastic bags.

[@dianalimbach4584]

thank you for your video. I haven't yet however I'm still pretty new. I did find a small beetle in my roving after bringing it camping and that makes me question spinning outside. which makes me sad as I enjoy spinning outside.

[@JillianEve]

I love spinning outside too, but yes there is always a risk. I figure if I'm in the process of spinning it, it is being moved around and the bugs don't like that. If anything gets in, I'll see it as I work. That's my hope anyway. I have to balance the fear of pests with the enjoyment my craft so I still spin outside. Happy spinning! 🧶💜😊

[@Pinguinpullover]

Lady, you are such a treat! May moths and all the other creepy crawlies forever be banned from your stash!

[@rebeccagibson7881]

My best tip is to spin it all really fast!! 😌

[@danielbryant-ou1zx]

Im in the uk, i use neem oil in little sachets it kills them and smells a bit like lemon grass, pillow cases sealed tightly works well too, and mosquito netting at windows and doors is very affective at keeping them out, incense is very good too, your very brave thank you for this video

[@bella-bee]

Old fashioned methods included rattling your drawers, because moths don’t like being disturbed, and you’re right about light - they retreat into dark corners.

[@lynnray9884]

Thank you for the video. I have not thought of moths or even checked my angora hare fur snd it was stored several different ways 10 years ago. Now am scarred to look crossing fingers xxxx and headed. Thanks for the advice.

[@JillianEve]

Glad it was helpful! I hope you are moth free! Happy spinning! 🧶💜😊

[@Bluewaterpinessantarosabeach]

Ohhhh Jillian! Now in Florida I pulled out my summer linen clothing and😞. Today I am packing away my woolies and see garments folded and unworn has been spotted. This is horrid as coming from New England I always prepared well. Having had this wardrobe for 45+ years, is devastating. . Thank you sweetheart.☀️💙☀️my beautiful linen dresses with one back of entire sleeve just decimated. Horrrridddddd. I feeel you luv.

[@JillianEve]

I'm so sorry!!!

[@Bluewaterpinessantarosabeach]

@@JillianEve oh. Don’t be sorry for my mistakes. ☺️I know where and whence I erred. It was a woolen cardigan that was not properly cleaned. Unwashed woolies are most susceptible to moth larvae. So far it is only a few pieces. Will report back. But! Interjection!!!!! An emotion! Lol. But I have had silverfish from my growing collage paper stash and they love fibers. I’m exhausted already and am readying the suitcases for packing. It looks like I’m moving.The woolen Blankets that were unused this winter are on the top shelf and I’m dreading that…. Wool hand loomed from Holland. Talk soon.

[@Bluewaterpinessantarosabeach]

❤️

[@MoniqueAO888]

"Beneficial insects" helped me to chase away grain-moths...a special breed might help with fiber-eating-moths. As an instant-moth-killer I can recommend the "electric-insect-killer-tennis-racket". I discovered that device in one of the crew-hotels in India and was told, it helps killing moscitos. I bought one, tried it out and it works well against small insects. Flies and wasps are to sturdy. 🙂

[@faun2639]

Do you know if pantry moths are interested in cellulose fibers like cotton? I found some moths that looked like pantry moths in my cotton stash and it was all chewed to bits 😫 all of my wool was untouched though, so I don’t think it was wool moths. Thank you so much for making this video! I’ve always used my cedar hope chest, but never heard of pheromone traps for bugs!

[@CheapEngineerCrafts]

Carpet beetles eat moths be been told

[@infamoussphere7228]

I know silverfish will eat cellulose fibres. Pantry moths might? After all if they can eat grains they might be able to eat cotton.

[@bella-bee]

Bless you, I can feel your distress!!

[@JillianEve]

💜

[@kristenobryan8505]

My process has been to check every fleece that comes in. If it’s big free, I store it or wash it shortly after. Everything washed is then stored in cotton vintage pillowcases or cotton mesh produce bags. Those are then in LOCKING storage bins! So far I’ve only had one moth issue and it came from buying wool from a “wool broker”. Thankfully, I put that wool into its own separate bin therefore it didn’t infest the rest of my stash. I ended up throwing it all out and disinfected the bin before reusing it. Don’t buy from that seller anymore! Otherwise my system has been highly effective! Sometimes I’ll also use super strong bars of soap, Irish Spring, as a deterrent . So far so good 🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻

[@annak4045]

Here we use Sunlight Soap bars.... And its surprising how well cotton works, blocking larvae from getting to the wool inside

[@kristenobryan8505]

@@annak4045 it’s also reusable which I love and a natural fiber and it allows the wool to breathe! When I find them vintage or used, its also an inexpensive way to keep my stash happy 🥰

[@anhu8528]

What a fun way to give information. While I hate moths indoors, I know that they serve a purpose outdoors. Having had grain beetles at our old house, I've always sealed food in containers when possible. As a new ish spinner I've been storing the waiting fiber in a plastic organizer container, (One of those big craft organizers with removable dividers.), so I was happy to hear you mention that. Thanks for the info, and for all your videos. They are both informative and inspiring.

[@Lilfare]

The Spindle you are spinning on is stunning. Do you know where you got it?

[@JillianEve]

Thank you! It is an Enid Ashcroft spindle. If you want one, you have to be ready to click as soon as the shop updates because those spindles are gone in minutes! Happy spinning! 🧶💜😊

[@gabriellenancipierotti4194]

For new things coming into your house from places like thrift stores that you don't want to wash, I can't recommend a 'Bed Bug Hotbox' enough, It's the same effect as tumble drying, without the tumbling so no worries about felting a beloved sweater or a new braid of roving, $100-$400 depending on size/quality and so worth it.

[@katehenry2718]

Moth balls are good for dumpsters. Right after a pickup, add 5 or 6 mothballs to the container. This will keep flies from laying eggs and will kill larva. No wonder it is good for moths. It has stopped the after-rain crawlys in my building's dumpster. Bugs are not allowed here. Birds have no access to the dumpster so they are safe.

[@maggiepatterson7949]

Gives me CHILLS!

[@lunalucid]

Ok I have to go put fresh lavender essential oil on all the lavender pouches I use to protect my stuff after watching this. Like, NOW. I don't care if it's the middle of the night where I live. 😂 But thanks for talking about this, these beasts are a nightmare and I'd say you're absolutely right to be scared of them. 🤢 I also use plastic containers and bags and I put these sticky traps for flies on my windows (not the obnoxious yellow ones, I always get caught in these myself lol, but the see-through ones) because I think some of those fiber-eaters will fly towards the light and so at least you'll know what gets stuck on there... I'm not so sure about pheromone traps though unless you already know there's something you want to catch with them, because I'm scared that they might attract what I want to protect my stuff from in the first place. 😅

[@helga5723]

A very important issue! I have permenently the pheromone traps out to check if there are some moths. And there are 😖 I live in a 120 year old haue with wooden floors and endless little cracks and wholes.... I got crasy when I found the first moth-nest in my wool. I tried everything mentioned here without the mothballs (I have to check if I could get them here in Germany...). Finally I calmed down after a few years and I live with the moths!!! BUT using the phermone trab I saw one evening a Moth coming through my window heading for the trap > I got crasy. The trap invites the moths!!! So I put flie nets over the windows. I think that is very important while using the traps!!!

[@morsmitt3126]

I have no idea what is carpet beetle and I have never seen clothes moth and I really don't want to change that. I use lawender oil in my wool stah and wardrobe. Every month or two I clean everything, use a little of apple vinegar in my wardrobe and leave drops of lavender oil wherever I feel like.

[@ediemartimucci6909]

My mother would store all her wool clothes and blankets with a layer of newspaper between items. The ink repels insects, and has no smell at all. If something is lighter color and you are worried about ink, wrap the item in a sheet of wrapping tissue paper.

[@msdreamz6068]

Great info. 👍🏼 what I use in my food pantry are cloves it keeps all the creepy crawlies away. Drier sheets in draws, totes , craft bags ,wherever is a great deterrent for insects and rodents.

[@Karla-yz4qd]

Thanks Evie!! I know this is a Very Necessary but Scary topic!! I store my wool to Spin in a Chest Dreser with Lavender Sachets. My yarn is stored in Sealed plastic totes! Should I do something more??? Thanks again!

[@JillianEve]

Sounds like a good system to me! Keep an eye on it and move things around from time to time would be the only other thing I would add. Happy spinning! 🧶💜😊

[@Karla-yz4qd]

@@JillianEve Thank you Evie!!

[@eileenfb1948]

In the UK we get moths and mice. I heard that mice don't like the smell of coffee or mint as the strong smells prevent the mice from smelling where they are going. Dried lavender flowers are said to repel moths and mice. I buy dried lavender and leave the bag (100g) in my wardrobe which leaves a lovely gentle smell of lavender.

[@ldsvenusk9524]

Peppermint works well to keep rodents away, not sure if they don't like the smell or if it irritates their nostrils but they do not like it. You can plant it around the of outside of your house, maybe put a few drops of peppermint essential oil on cotton balls and put around your fiber room. It also deters spiders, which I am more afraid of than rodents or snakes.

[@torimccarthy1773]

I love the bloopers!

[@mindyspoon720]

Right, no I’m REALLY obsessed. Been concerned for a while, as I like my braids in a basket to inspire me, so I’ve been burning Lavender essential oil, and scattering cedar wood balls in the basket. Should I be storing all my fibre in plastic?. Well done Evie on filming such a difficult subject x

[@lorimurphy889]

Wow I have a cedar closet in my spare room down stairs which has stuff I haven't touched in years I am going to clean it out and store my wool knits 🤦🏼‍♀️. Also I have a question on the moth traps. won't that attract moths to come. I have used the panty moth traps before when I had parrots I would get them in the seed. I would throw the seed in the freezer and kill them that way but I imagine we can't throw our wool in the freezer.

[@mandyperlaky570]

Lots of people do throw their wool in the freezer! As I understand it, that will kill larvae and adults, but not the eggs, so sometimes people do multiple freeze/thaw cycles so that if there are eggs they hatch and then they can kill the larvae when they freeze the wool again. Heat will kill the eggs though, but I've heard different things about how hot and how long. The pheromone traps only attract males, and only the larvae do damage since the adults don't have mouths, so if they do draw any in from outside at least they can't lay eggs and they can't hurt the wool anymore.

[@lorimurphy889]

@@mandyperlaky570 thank you

[@StellarNeedlecraft]

I just came across this video today. I watched the whole thing and relived my trauma from when we had carpet beetles when my spouse and I lived at my parents house. The larvae eat animal protein, which includes wool, fur, leathers, dead bugs, etc. I probably threw away $500 (at least) of yarn. Strangely, most of it was my acrylic stash that got thrown out. I did have to throw out my first ever knitted hat and a shawl cause there was too much damage. When we bought our house everything that had a chance of having carpet beetle larvae or beetles was frozen. Then thawed, then frozen again. We left the couch outside in the hot texas august sun for a couple days. I regularly go through my stash. We vacuum a little more regularly (we have a dog who sheds). I’m always on the lookout for those dang beetles. Luckily, in the 4 years we’ve been here, I’ve only ever found beetle corpses on items in the garage.

[@marthabieber4020]

Thank you for you're videos. I don't know if someone mentioned it by now but feromone traps only catch male moth and thus only work to see if you have a problem - not prevent it. And if placed close to a window or door they might just attract moth you wouldn't have otherwhise. Best wishes

[@aramintagreavesfibreista1963]

You are so right, prevention is the way to go. I store everything in ziplock bags, in the light and disturb it all frequently. I also use the microwave. Two minutes in the microwave will kill all stages of the moth lifecycle and is quicker and more effective than the freezer. Obviously this method can't be used for anything with metallic additions, so sparkly batts etc would have to go in the freezer. This is what I do to any fibre or yarn before it enters my spinnery.

[@horsenroundstudio]

Having had a moth infestation in my studio... Other substances that help are cloves and cinnamon (candles and/or incense). I burn a stick once a week or so (usually not when I'm there because it can be strong) or candles while I'm in the studio for a while. I have a friend with a strong allergy to cedar, so I needed to find something else. Also, the chipmunk is adorable!

[@charlot-temisery]

i'm in the process of making little sachets of lavender to stick in all my baskets of yarn and fibre. I also try and go through my stash at least once a year and agitate its layers i guess? like by the time i empty the basket and refill it, there are things at the top that haven't seen daylight in maybe a year. I should probably do that more often, tbh.

[@elskersten-vandijk7227]

Applause for the lady battling through her phobia to educate the people 👏👏👏💪 I feel like just in terms of cosmic justice this should absolve you from ever having to deal with finding the buggers in your stash 😌

[@JillianEve]

Here's hoping!!! 💪💪🤞

[@EverleyStPeter-pw8ni]

I use cedarwood essential oil as a spray. In a 4 oz. bottle fill with distilled water (tap water has bacteria) then add 20 drops of the cedarwood eo in. Shake well before spraying. I spray everything I crocheted but now see the importance of spraying the roving I bring in my house too.

[@roxymcrae4645]

The Spider information is super helpful, I allow alot of spiders to live inside... I will now check and monitor their webs for moth debris as a monitoring system. Thank you for fighting your fears to have this conversation xx

[@The_double_ewe]

I make my yarn tags out of home made paper that have lavender in them. the lavender also will keep some of the critters away. I fully agree the sticky moth traps are the best.

[@knittingnurd]

Yes, I was going to suggest lavender also. I grow my own and then dry it out for little sachets to go in everything!!!

[@dawsie]

OMG I had one of the carpet beetle land on me only today I never seen one before, looks like I will be sorting my craft area tomorrow and I will have to spray. I hate spraying as I have 5 cats I never store anything in air tight plastic boxes, I use only the plastic boxes with just a standard clip closed or use cardboard or wooden boxes, I have used the vacuum sealed bags but they never stay vacuumed so got rid off them. I hate the smell of mothballs used only once when I had to place everything into storage. I use cedar, even when it’s over a hundred years old a light sanding activates the cedar scent I managed to get my hands on 100 year old cedar barn doors so now I am cutting them into thin strips so I can line my boxes.

[@runtsgal]

I thankfully haven’t lost any silk yet but I have had to throw away a box of beautiful grey bunny fur and a whole shetland fleece before because of moth larvae 😭 I have had canaried fleece too but it was only 500g. I now wash my fleece asap and store in bags inside plastic boxes. I’m going to try cedar oil.

[@JillianEve]

Oh no! I'm so sorry you lost your precious fiber. Here's to no more moths! Happy spinning! 🧶💜😊

[@Addictedtoyoutube9]

Thank you so much I just discovered holes in my vest some of these had sentimental values gifts from my deceased mother. She died years ago.

[@davidkish9829]

I use little draw-string bags of lavender.

[@jamiethrogmorton2540]

I have lavender sachets everywhere, seems to really help.

[@hotbecky880707]

I do sewing & had to throw away a felted wool mat due to insects burrowing and making tunnels in it. Now when I invest in a new one, I'll know what to do!

[@resa367]

Rosemary, cloves, help

[@oakstrong1]

I'm going to move to SE Asia in a few months and I am terrified of the constantly hot and humid environment (and dust that is impossible to prevent coming in). Those small de-humidifier boxes with granules will turn into containers of water in less than a week during rainy season and a couple of months before. An expensive and useless solution I have started vacuum packing my yarn (nothing will stop termites or cockroaches!) starting with acrylic, but I wasn't sure about wool. The leader of my spinning club told me absolutely not to vacuum pack my wool or wool yarn, but she said some people are doing it. Any advice for alternatives or if you think it's ok to vacuum wool and wool yarn would be appreciated. At the moment I am storing most of my yarn in clear, plastic totes and the rest is in those see-through IKEA storage bags. I did buy organza bags from Amazon but even the biggest ones on sale do not take a one jumper! I haven't found anywhere in UK that sells bigger ones, the kind of sizes Lovecraft or Woolwarehouse packs 10 or 15 100g skeins in.

[@BornToDreamTheBeat]

I'm so paranoid about moths and other fibereaters that I use airtight dust- and mothproof softboxes for all of my animal fiber yarn. For batts and combed tops, I usually use the bags that blankets and pillows come in since they're (as far as i know) mothproof too, they're also the same material as the mothproof softboxes. I also throw in some little lavender baggies or pieces of cedar wood for extra protection because I'm afraid that isn't enough lol. I still get nervous whenever I see a carpet beetle or a moth in my apartment but i never had any issues with infestation 🤞🏻 all new fibers also get checked as soon as they arrive, I'm so tedious with the checking that if there should be something in there, I'll definitely take the blame lol

[@cherylclark4539]

What about Tansy flower ?

[@julieferrarimorgan1823]

I found some cedar rings to put on my closet hangers!

[@emilyporter1186]

Cloves, bay leaves, lavender, rosemary, and rue are said to be effective repellants.

[@ligerivalkana7115]

In Greece we use levander basil and ceder

[@sagittsrius]

I like to use lavender. I make flowers dry and put them in a small cotton bag. The wool moths don't like the smell. It really works.

[@resa367]

Love the information you share with us! Thanks

[@JillianEve]

I'm so glad! Happy spinning! 🧶💜😊

[@kate5176]

I use Diatomaceous Earth for pest control. Its safe around kids and pets. I sprinkle it around the outside of the house and around where I store my wool and yarn.

[@kimwood5239]

I was sewing in my sewing room and saw three days a moth go by the light, I pray moths aren’t in my$$ of fabric. I have to add I love the smell of moth balls and am surprised no one else like it.

[@fish8cat]

I store my yarn in clear gasket sealed tubs with Cedarcide chips and pouches of lavender. In the winter (and summer), I store my tubs in an enclosed back porch in snow country, so they live in the freeze through the winter. I hope that the cedar and lavender continue to repel anything that made its way into the tubs in warmer weather. When I buy anything from the thrift store, they go into a plastic bag, into the freezer for several days to a week. Take them out for one day to warm up and possibly hatch anything and then back in the freezer for a spell before I introduce thrift stuff to my house.

[@Tanooki_Leaf.]

We leave dried orange peels to prevent moths

[@etm567]

I was delighted to discover pheromone traps for moths. They make them for clothes moths and for cupboard moths. You have to change them every few months, but they are a great help. They attract the male moths, but not the females. The males get trapped, cannot mate, and so there are no larvae. We also freeze wool quite a bit.

[@jejrstans]

Thanks for this video! We have silverfish that got into my already spun bobbins. grrr. Is there a way to salvage the yarn that's on the bobbin that's further in and not cut? I can't seem to find an true "end" to start unwinding it. Thanks for any ideas.