Moths

[Scarlett]

I seem to have a lot of small brown moths inside. This is because the windows are open but I worry that they may be breeding somewhere in the house. I have a lot of clothes that I don't want ruined!!
What is the best way to repel moths? Does anywhere sell mothballs anymore?

[shaneystar2]

These are good
http://www.naturalcollection.com/natural-produ cts/Natural-Moth-Repellent.asp?sc=T
You can still get mothballs at little local hardware places but they stink !
I cut lavender from the garden and hang it up to dry and then put it into lavender bags and hang them in the wardrobes and linen cupboard,draws etc. Not being any good whatsoever at sewing I buy the empty bags on Ebay.

[WendyS]

Mothballs really pong and I haven't seen any for ages Scarlett so don't know if you can still buy them. However, most good hardware stores will sell mothkillers in little plastic hanging circles which you clip over your wardrobe rails. Over time I've had them in lavender and citrus aromatics and they smell a darned sight better than mothballs. Also, those zipped plastic suit & dess storage bags are good for woollen-based clothes which seem to be especially vulnerable to moth damage. You can often buy them from dry cleaners.

[netibiza]

Sounds strange but check your larder as they "nest" in things like flour, porridge and the like. Over here in Spain Every June/July I am innundated with them and have to throw out a lot of dried food.

[grannyg]

Cedarwood balls or rings are effective, I got some from Lakeland Plastics some time ago. They last as well, not like normal mothballs which disintegrate in time and I believe are not supposed to be sold anymore because of something in them which is not considered to be safe.
grannyg

[Cetti]

There are a lot of moths about now due to the warm weather, but these aren't going to munch away at your clothes.
http://www.kendall-bioresearch.co.uk/domestmot h.htm#moth1ctrl

The link above will show you what to look for and how to take precautions so you don't attract the real clothes eaters. I must admit for years moth balls were freely used by our parents, but there is a very large warning NOT to use them as they are extremely toxic.

Use shaneystar's lavender as my mum always used these bags - and the smell is delicious.