When Clothes Moths Attack: How to Protect Your Historical Fashion from Pests Naturally!

[@VBirchwood]

Thank you for watching! Have you had to deal with a similar issue? What have been your methods for keeping your garments pest-free?

[@egjundis]

Lol, I just subscribe to your channel just to thank you for your medieval Eminem lyrics. I thank thee!

[@VBirchwood]

@@egjundis It's appreciated nonetheless! I thank thee too 😊

[@astitchatatime8195]

I watched this video when it came out and until this video I always pictured moths as having their wings more spread out when resting, since those were the moths I often saw outside. If I found a different type of moth I probably wouldn't have recognised it before seeing this video. So when I found an unusual insect in my room (normally I only see the occasional spider or fly) and I recognised it to have a similar shape to the creature you showed I was able to panic appropriately 😅 Thank you! You may have saved my wardrobe. I checked and it seemed to be a case-bearing clothes moth... Watching/Reading up on all the tips now 🤞

[@VBirchwood]

@@astitchatatime8195 Thanks for sharing this info!! These are the best comments to receive (not of course that you found a moth, but that this information actually WAS useful to someone!) I'm hoping that you caught it early! The biggest thing I can recommend is clean and check everything. If in doubt, stick the item in a freezer for 2-3 weeks in a sealed bag or clean it thoroughly using a clothes steamer. Clothes moths also go for fur and leather I've heard, so check those items too. They even eat plant fibres (like linen and cotton) or synthetics if they have any type of food or residue on them. So make sure things are clean if you do store them for a whole season. Fingers crossed that your wardrobe is okay! 😊

[@ArtemisDianaApollo]

One thing worth noting with garment bags: never ever put wet clothing in a garment bag. It will mold/mildew. Allow it to dry before you put it away.

[@VBirchwood]

Thanks for that important nuance!

[@katherinemorelle7115]

I personally prefer to use a synthetic insect killer, applied directly to the walls of my wardrobe (after emptying out completely, don’t spray it onto clothes or in the air), as I think it’s the safest option for my household. Most “natural” moth repellants contain lavender essential oil, which can be extremely toxic to pets, especially cats. And as my cat loves to climb up into my wardrobe, it’s not an option for me at all. It’s also a good reminder that just because something is “natural”, does not mean that it is safe. In my case, a synthetic insecticide that dries on the walls, protecting the entire wardrobe for up to six months, is the safest option. I’m also not a fan of “chemical free” labelling in general. It’s inherently extremely vague- mostly because it’s not at all physically possible, because literally everything is made of chemicals. Which means that different people mean different things by it, and when brands and marketing use it, you can never be sure exactly what they mean by it. It’s not something that has a specific or approved definition, because the only thing actually chemical free is the vacuum of outer space. Also, as a science nerd, I admit it’s just one of those phrases that get under my skin (much like “natural”, detox, and toxins, because when they’re used these days, it’s not in an accurate way). So just a reminder to always check the ingredients of whatever you use, because “natural” (another term without a set meaning that brands can use willy nilly) does not necessarily mean safe. So whether going the synthetic or natural route, always check the ingredients, and make sure to use them in the safest way possible, depending on the specific circumstances.

[@VBirchwood]

I totally agree Neartmhor. Greenwashing is a massive thing, and so many essential oils for example really aren't safe for certain people (or pets as you say). It makes a lot of sense that you'd weigh the benefits/risks of your own products and decide what to use from there. Part of the reason I went with these Total Wardrobe Care Sachets is that they offer a bunch of different herbal blends. The one I have has no lavender, for instance, and has all oils in it that I personally know I can tolerate well. And definitely, if I had pets that would become a priority too. I don't enjoy the labelling system on "chemical-free" products either, because, as you say, everything is technically a chemical, whether synthetic or organic. I personally use EWG Skin Deep to check all my products for toxicity level, because that's what I was introduced to way back when I was a teen and it's an incredibly invaluable resource. Unfortunately "natural" and "chemical-free" have become major marketing ploys to get people to buy products now, but I also think the English language lacks other terminology that is concrete and to-the-point to describe these things. Hence why I also struggled to find the words to describe my own practices in a short period of time. Maybe "products free mostly from synthetic chemicals?" It just sounds so wordy haha 😂 I really appreciate your comment, however, and for looking out for me. It means a lot 😊

[@MichelleSMV]

This is incredibly useful for me since I never knew that. I always used camphor balls growing up so while I love hearing the natural alternatives, I have a dog now who really likes to go in my closet and loves to eat almost anything so it’s really great to have an option mentioned that maybe he can’t get to

[@ThistleandInkwell]

My closet smells of lavender now, it’s lovely, also I added the traps to keep and eye on the possibility of moths. I watched this and realized I have a large supply of natural fibers in my closet that I don’t want to have to replace since they have been collected over time. Thanks for bringing this topic up.

[@VBirchwood]

My pleasure! I think it’s a super important one because it can be very devastating to lose garments, especially sentimental ones, to moths.

[@chrysanthemum8233]

As a knitter I'm familiar with this Bug Horror as well. One of the things you can do is put your garmets in sealed plastic bags and freeze each bag for a week or two while you clean the closet/wardrobe aggressively. After the moths have been eliminated, cedar blocks and regular checks are important, but also if your wardrobe is seasonal, keep the off-season clothes in an AIR-TIGHT container. (edit: well, yarn doesn't usually have a mold/mildew issue, so airtight is okay for knitters)

[@VBirchwood]

Thanks for the lovely tips Chrysanthemum! I can imagine wool yarns are especially vulnerable (I have a couple of bags that I’ve been checking too!) I’ve actually read that the freezing trick doesn’t always work for some people, which is quite disconcerting! Airtight makes a lot of sense though for yarns as they are far less bulky than historical garments or heavy fabrics.

[@Grandmasterkiller]

Not enough time! They will be back even if frozen for weeks or years, they will always come back. If you have clothes moths they will never be gone, they cannot be 100% eradicated ever

[@lillianhansen5464]

This editing is gold *chefs kiss*. I’m glad that your personality and sense of humor is coming out more with every video! You seem to be quite comfortable in front of the camera and I look forward to the amazing content you bring us week after week. Plus I know how you feel, I had bought a bunch of raw wool (I spin it into yarn) and I had stored it for a while and I went to spin with it one day and there were tons of moths in it! I had to throw it all away because it was ruined, needless to say I have since learned my lesson! Great video and have a wonderful day!

[@VBirchwood]

Thank you Lillian! This video was a real joy to edit, and I really loved being able to go into archives to find little clips to represent exactly what I was trying to portray. I appreciate the compliments about being comfortable in front of the camera too. I think most people who make content on KZbin say that it takes a bit of time to really get comfortable in front of the camera, and I think I'm progressively getting to that point now after making these videos for the past few months, so it's nice to see that viewers are also noticing it 😊 Oh no! I'm so sorry to hear that happened to all your nice spinning wool. Glad though you at least gained something positive out of the experience (learning your lesson as you say) as that's exactly what has come out of my experience as well, which perhaps is a blessing in disguise because it teaches us to carefully monitor the rest of our garments! I hope you have a wonderful Thursday, and thanks again for your comment!

[@cydile]

I recently had a moth infestation, which got way out of hand before I noticed. Luckily, none of my clothes or fabrics were damaged. The infestation happened in my vacuum cleaner, which is why I didn't notice at first. They had plenty of food in there and I did not vacuum for a couple of weeks, so they were completely undisturbed in the dark storage room. So, my tip to you and anyone else. If you ever vacuum up moths (even dead ones), make sure to change the bag and throw it out immediately after. Apparently you could also put it in the freezer, but I wouldn't want to keep used vacuum bags with my food even if it's wrapped in layers of plastic bags. Obviously you might not notice if you vacuum up a clothes moth, so changing the vacuum bag regularly is always a good idea even if it's not full. And perhaps most importantly; don't keep the vacuum cleaner anywhere near where you keep your garments and fabrics just in case!

[@VBirchwood]

Thank you for this vital tip Maia! Sounds like a bit of a disturbing situation too. I suppose though it’s great they all stayed in the vacuum and didn’t end up harming any of your fabrics or garments. Seems like that was the best outcome for the scenario! My vacuum cleaner doesn’t use bags, it’s just a compartment that gets emptied out when it’s full. Do you know in this case what would be the best course of action? I’ve read quite a bit online about throwing out the bag right after use, but have no idea what the protocol would be for one of those clear, empty-out vacuums. I suppose though, since the compartment is see-through, there’s less of a chance for moth eggs being able to hatch in there since they really don’t like sunlight

[@cydile]

@@VBirchwood I have never had one of those, but I assume the compartment is small enough that you need to empty it regularly anyway. If you can see into it, you will notice any larvae that may have hatched. They are about the size of long-grained rice. I don't know if you can see the eggs, but it shouldn't matter if you get any in there as long as the compartment is clean. If they have nothing to eat, they will die. They also wouldn't be able to eat their way out, so I don't think you need to worry much about it.

[@VBirchwood]

@@cydile thanks for that 😊 I’ve read that the eggs are about the size of a grain of sand, so very difficult to see. Often probably why they get missed until they’re already hatched

[@bekabell1]

In the 1940's my grandmother scoured thift shops for wool clothing which she tore into strips, dyed, and sewed into beautiful rag rugs. Those rugs were things of beauty. She took excellent care of the until Alzheimer's took away her ability to look after herself, and sadly moths destroyed the rugs. By the time anyone noticed them it was too late.

[@charlesswitzer8378]

People get freaked out when they discover them, but from an entomological perspective, it's not a colossal task to get rid of them. Certainly not in line with something like bed bugs, termites, or cockroaches. Think of it as a fly infestation just with fabrics being the choice of food instead of food and drink. I had an infestation in a rental unit I had in 2018, and I had no idea what they were. It was springtime, so for a few weeks, I thought they were gnats that came in from opening the door! I simply swatted the ones I saw and thought nothing of it--just typical spring and summer nuisances. They never got my clothes but did manage to eat through a small patch of rug in the corner of my living room that was dark and obscured by large furniture. So rugs and carpets are certainly another area to inspect. Moving the furniture, vacuuming underneath it, placing pheromone traps to eliminate the males from your home (destroys reproduction), and cleaning and protecting your fabrics are all that need to be done. A moth spray is okay for spot-killing the fliers when you see them. Clutter is another issue, so it is important to keep that from happening.

[@BethAge95]

I just bought plastic boxes to store all my fabrics and yarns in... I guess I just have to hope that the quite dry climate I live in prevents the mould issue because I have no other option (very limited space). I should really start looking through and cleaning my closet every month or so, I'm definitely guilty of not doing it enough. Haven't had moths here so far (I do use the pheromone traps to keep track) and the winters here are cold and long and there are no moths around, but not with spring coming, I should really be more careful.

[@GhislaineBeauce]

Thank you for sharing your tips, and the company really do have great products. In the same vein, I have been taking garlic capsules every day during warm weather, to keep the mozzies away. I used to get eaten alive by mosquitoes in the summer, but since I started taking garlic capsules in the summer a couple of years back, summers have been much more comfortable for me.

[@ameliagfawkes512]

There are two ways to kill any potential pests in fabric - freezing (at least a week) in a freezer bag or using oxygen absorbers in an airtight container. If I were freezing first, I'd then leave it in the freezer bag at room temperature for a while (much like prepping grain, beans, etc for long term storage) and then hang to air or place in a dehydrator. Once completely dry, I'd store in a large freezer bag or a sealable plastic garment storage bag. I don't recommend sucking the air out, but a silica gel bag is essential. Make your own from cat litter. If you want to do the OA method, put your clothing in an airtight container (like a 5-gallon bucket) and add an OA for the volume of the container. In the absence of oxygen, any bugs and eggs will die. Leave that for perhaps 3 days to a week and then store in the same way as above. This way you really won't have to keep unfolding and refolding, continuously checking everything. As long as there are no major pests and the bags are sealed, the only thing you should have to check on is the silica gel, replacing the sachets (or t-bags ...) every so often. You can tell it needs replaced when it turns pale yellow. This also keeps dust and dust mites away from clothing (and other items), is relatively inexpensive and works. I once arrived at a hotel to find my perfume bottle had broken in my suitcase. Fortunately, I'd packed each day's clothing inside an XL freezer bag and they were all absolutely fine. I pack so much stuff in freezer bags. We're not creating global warming and I'm not creating climate change (but check out government geo-engineering docs because they definitely are manipulating the weather), so do what works for you and. Just ensure you bin your bags when they're done, because our Governments are not recycling them - rather they're spending the people's taxes sending them to Third World countries where they end up festering in massive dumps and waterways. I can't wear wool and silk is extremely impractical, but your videos are beautiful to watch. Perhaps we'll make your cape and hood in the not too distant future, but we'll have to look for fabric that's natural, but works for us. xx

[@danbee415]

The British Heritage channel recommended to freeze affected products for 2 weeks at 18- celsius mainly to kill the eggs. As the eggs can survive extreme temperatures for a long time. I bought a vintage jacket and saw under the collar a hole which the seller did not specify. Shortly after saw one month and immeditely frozen all suits that were not in the wardrobes. Still got another week of freezing until the eggs have been dealt with. After the freezing is done, going to let the temperature go back to normal room temperature. Then use a garment steamer to kill any other lingering eggs. Then finnally the item which I think is qffected will be isolated from everything else and if I dont see moths for a month or two it can go in the wardrobe.

[@VBirchwood]

I use this method as well and it works! Though it doesn't deter any moths that might come into a wardrobe, so that's where I find the sachets really help.

[@Pouick]

I had an infestation but since my historical wardrobe/fabric stash is well kept, they chewed on the modern sweater and jumpers. Hot as scary to me, although I was a bit sad for my cashmere pieces. Thank you for all your pointers and tips.

[@VBirchwood]

Oh no! I’m sorry that your nice sweaters got ruined 🥺 very wise of you though to keep your historical things well monitored! Thanks for your comment 😊

[@serenamcdonald772]

Take care of yourself whilst immersed in your dissertation. I'm certain you'll succeed.

[@VBirchwood]

Thank you so much ☺️

[@elinordrake7129]

The same thing happened to me a year or so ago. I found ONE sort of gittery goldish? moth. I immediately thought it might be a clothing moth. I spent hours online trying to see if it was for sure a Clothes moth. I'm 'pretty sure' it was. lol. I was horrified & proceeded to wash every item of fabric in the apt. in hot water. Even My Fabric Stash! lol. I only have one room with carpeting, so I moved all my fabric stash & clothes to the other closet & room, which has pergo flooring. Now I wash the floors in those rooms at least every 3rd day, usually every day. I often simmer water on the stove with flowers or herbs that insects don't like. First to humidify the air a little & make the space smell nice, then at the end of the day, I add water to the reduced herb water, strain out the herbs/flowers, and wash the floors with it. Also, I don't wait until I have clothing to wash before I wash thrifted clothes or fabrics anymore. I'm pretty sure that is how the one lone moth got in. Now, I go to the thrift & look around, when I have enough clothes needing washing that I can do a decent sized load. I fill the washer with water & soap, then when I get back from the thrift, the fabrics or clothes go straight in!

[@VBirchwood]

I have heard the main way they get into homes is on thrifted or vintage clothing! So I think you're definitely on to something there. A nice solution too if you have the freezer space, is just pop your garments into the freezer for 2-3 weeks before washing or wearing them, as this will kill any eggs. Really high temps or low temps only kill the eggs. Steaming the garments thoroughly also works, I always do this now whenever I get any wool or silk just in case 😊

[@elinordrake7129]

@@VBirchwood I read that too but I keep so many dye things (ie, red onion skins, avocado peels & pits, etc.) in addition to actual food (imagine that!) in the freezer that there is just no room. During the "That Looked Like A Clothing Moth!" Panic, I actually considered buying a small deep freezer for that & also to routinely freeze my woolens once or twice a year. Alas, budgeting....sigh. grin. With the pandemic, I started washing All my laundry on super hot water, and more often. (The pandemic really messed with a lot of my old eco friendly routines alas) ....so now I just basically buy only things I feel will stand up to heavy duty washing & drying.

[@kathigortman4074]

I have problems with spiders. I've found they don't like peppermint. A few peppermint sachets in my closet and drawers has saved me and the spiders a lot of grief.😌🍭

[@VBirchwood]

I keep spiders away with peppermint too! 🥰

[@siiiriously3226]

i just recently had wool/clothing moths. they just enter through the window, just like food moths do aswell. I had moths in my fabric stock, where they ONLY particularly chose the wool. they were not interested in anything else. While i do not own a lot of wool clothing, i am worried about my persian rugs. i emptied out the basket, sprayed everything heavily with lavender oil spray (mixed with alcohol). NOT recommended with fabrics whcih might react to the essential oils. I use cedar wood in various forms, (which i should snd more often...) the ones with the hole to hang them on top of clothes hangers, and put them in the pockets of wool jackets too, when i store them for the winter. the more movement is around the wool articles, the less likely the moths are to get into them. the things stored away in dark drawers, used rarely, are the ones at higher risk in my experience.

[@cadileigh9948]

all those beautiful textiles entoombed in Egypt etc lost to moths. I buy Cedar and Sandalwood oil in 100ml bottles and use sheep wool to apply it to all the wood shelving and door edges and base of the wardrobe several times a year . It's a proper oak wardrobe with a tight fitting door not one of those modern things with lose slidy doors. Grow my own herbs and put them into sachets at summer's end. I store woolens in sealed bags when spring ends and freeze them for 2 weeks before putting in the base of the airing cupboard untill October. Freezing is a killer for moths but does not harm the textiles alas one cannot freeze woolen carpets easily but I have only painted boards and rugs in this mid 1800s house but beware moths can live in the dust under floorboards!. I've an excelent stone wall to bang rugs against once a month or so.

[@VBirchwood]

I know!! It's so sad to imagine how many textiles have been lost to moths over the centuries 😔 Thank you for sharing your methods! I use the freezer trick sometimes, but my freezer is too small to fit big historical garments (and I'm guessing a lot of peoples' freezers are too small for bigger articles of clothing). But I've found that a steamer does the same trick and can simultaneously remove wrinkles, which is great.

[@bernadmanny]

I will always remember getting dressed for a funeral, pulled my charcoal gray wool dress trousers out of the wardrobe and finding holes in them. Worst thing was I'd only worn them twice. Bring on the chemicals, the little bastards can huff it.

[@VBirchwood]

Oh no!! How sad and annoying I’m sure! Well I hope you’ve managed to find ways to prevent them now 😊

[@ericalarochelle3779]

I am glad to return to so many videos! I appreciate all this information, so thank you for sharing!

[@VBirchwood]

Welcome back Erica! It's my pleasure 😊

[@mirabellegoldapfel6256]

I had my woolen haori jacket on a hanger in a light room and they ate holes in it anyway, gah. At least I could wash that one. Now I harvest my lavender, wrap it in handkerchiefs and stick it in pockets or around the hanger of everything animal fiber. Natural scented soaps live in the drawers, grandma style, another reason to buy these in bulk (they get better over time, too). Also general insect protection like netting in the windows helps too. My silk kimono lie on cedar boards from the hardware store in he wardrobe, much cheaper than a whole cedar wardrobe. And no unwashed scarfs or hats go back into the drawers, moths like human smelling unwashed things the very best.

[@VBirchwood]

All great prevention tips! I'm sorry to hear they still got at your haori jacket even though it was in a bright room! I would also highly recommend moth pheromone traps, as then they'll fly towards those and get stuck and then there will be fewer moths to eat away at your clothes 😊

[@deborahddenmark]

I am a hand spinner of wool and I keep my wool and yarns in cardboard boxes with all the seams carefully taped. I have recently started sewing clothing using wool and other natural fibers and the cardboard boxes are great for fabric storage but a bit annoying to keep finished clothing in and still access it easily for wearing.

[@shadowjewel]

Gha, this is such a battle for me, esp as I have problems with keeping on top of everything. I also like in the UK and Carpet moths are native here (I think going by the picture this is the type you saw). They love to eat wool, fur and feathers (they go nuts for feathers, watch out for those!). Thankfully they don't seem to eat silk IME, but I have seen the lava add a little silk from fabric to the little cases they carry around as mobile homes, which makes sense since they are made from their own silk. From a certain perspective it's kinda cute, but from another it's scary in case they take enough to harm it! The way I cope with them is cedar essential oil. I started with little cedar blocks, but then switched to the oil as the block just didn't feel as reliable to me. It's worked a treat - no fabric or garment that I have placed in an cupboard, box, draw or bag that also has one of those blocks or a bit of paper treated with a drop of that oil ever has any moths or holes. I also put a drop of oil on the inner edge of cupboards too. I refresh the oil every few months, though tbh I probably over do it as if I can still smell the last batch, I wager the moths whos sense of smell is up there with dogs certainly can.

[@VBirchwood]

Thanks for your patience with my reply! Yes, feathers is a delicacy for them it seems. I think a lot of silk is treated with a moth-preventative chemical when it is stored in a warehouse, and perhaps that's why they don't go after silks as much? Especially since a lot of silks have to be dry cleaned, and moths hate garments that have been dry cleaned because of I think the taste. They are indeed kind of cute, but yes, as you say, scary haha. Cedar is a great tip! 😊

[@pippaseaspirit4415]

Clothes moths will also happily munch their way through wool carpets in hidden corners!

[@rachelmolina3995]

Oh, yes. Moths are a problem. Actually, cedar can encourage moths if it is fading. But moving the garments and checking for larvae is for me the best deterrent. Great video, thanks!

[@jocelynnoah3038]

My husband collects military uniforms and would like to know where you got your archival boxes.

[@VBirchwood]

I’m U.K. based so I get mine from a company called Preservation Equipment. In the US, I’ve heard Container Store actually sells some reasonably priced ones.

[@wkdj2522]

very thorough. thanks! and as an added bonus 7:12 reminded me of Géricault's painting The Raft of Medusa

[@kendressel1608]

I constantly worry about my sneaker collection and I keep some of the more valuable ones in containers but also have a closet full of sneaker that are still in the original boxes i try to go through and check for any signs of damage and so far so good but it is very overwhelming and time consuming do moths or there off spring like card board ?

[@hypnosecoachinghombach7517]

Some good information in here! Thanks!

[@ReneeneeP]

Great video once again! Good luck on your projects!

[@VBirchwood]

Thank you for watching and for your good luck wishes, Renee! 😊

[@lenabjork4312]

Just found you and enjoy your content. Look forward to the next installment ☺

[@VBirchwood]

Welcome to the channel! Thank you so much for your comment 😊 The new video will be out Thursday!

[@raquelalmeida9002]

I'm getting scared thinking of my unprotected fabric stash... And the €€€ I recently spent in linens 😱

[@VBirchwood]

Oh no! Sorry to scare you. I’ve found sachets to be the best thing to protect my fabric stash. I’ve been having a bit of a moth issue at the moment and because I have sachets all over my fabric, there’s been no damage to any fabric or garments

[@UNknown-sd3ki]

Came for a historical lesson about garments. Ended up getting a infested episode on animal planet. I feel like the moth you saw is grinning right now. If your having trouble just imagine the the people of that time era. I'm more in love with the social hierarchy and norms of the that time era. I mostly doing research of the daily life of women in medieval ages.

[@VBirchwood]

It probably is grinning right now 😁 though they continue to stay away from my clothes and I haven’t seen one now for a while. People of past times had it hard! I think the social aspects of society throughout history are fascinating too, and inherently, if you research fashion history at all, it is all directly linked in with social hierarchy and social practices. That’s part of what drew me to it in the first place 😊 what is the oddest fact about medieval society that you learned through your research? (I know very little about medieval times as it’s outside of my usual period of study).

[@UNknown-sd3ki]

Your 100% correct! The oddest thing I found is the illusion of cleanliness in higher status castles or people. Such as a lot of makeup or putting tons of herbs in the floor to keep it "clean". One that I find disturbing is the early age of marriage. There's a lovely documentary of history of the home by Lucy Worsley.

[@VBirchwood]

@@UNknown-sd3ki thanks for that, I’ll have to check it out. It’s interesting that the odd cleaning practices continued on through Georgian and Victorian times as well, because they had all sorts of strange methods for keeping things “clean” too lol. But I suppose without science to back theories, they really were just doing their best with the info that they had available to them

[@paulam9911]

thank you!!!!!!

[@jac_and_the_making_of]

We have a moth problem T-T it's the worst. Thank you for the tips!

[@VBirchwood]

Oh no!! I wish you luck on getting rid of them. I’m happy these tips could be of use!

[@hannakirillovskaya]

didnt seen it coming☺

[@goonercestlavie]

Bon contenu

[@VBirchwood]

Merci!!

[@hannakirillovskaya]

I have true horror story for you.

[@VBirchwood]

Oh no!! Are your garments okay?

[@hannakirillovskaya]

@@VBirchwood yes, thanks for asking)

[@VBirchwood]

@@hannakirillovskaya oh good, I’m very glad!