Clothes moth prevention has come a long way since the use of moth balls. I remember the revolting smell meant you wouldn’t want to wear the clothes anyway, but more importantly they were extremely toxic as they used the chemical Naphthalene which is carcinogenic. Thankfully they were banned by the EU in 2008 but with the increasingly milder winters and improved heating and home insulation, the clothes moth has had a resurgence.
An age old problem
However, it’s not a new problem, humans have always had to deal with pests and throughout history, natural products have been used to deter moths. For example, Patchouli was used in India and this tradition travelled to Europe via the silk road as Victorian silk shawls were packaged with Patchouli leaves to protect them from moths during their travels as a consequence, Patchouli oil and incense stick were used frequently in the 60’s and Carnaby street was awash with the scent at this time for this reason. The ancient Greeks warded off insects by wearing a crown of laurel in their hair, Europeans used lavender and the Chinese used May Chang (lemon grass).
Cedarwood has been used by humans for construction and as a natural insecticide as far back as the ancient Egyptians. They derived their oil from large native cedar trees in Lebanon, in the Middle East. One of the elements found in many cedar trees is cedrol and depending on the amount used can determine its pesticidal effect on insects. In more recent history it has been used widely in the USA because the cedar tree is also a native species found in North America and can grow up to 30m in height and live for 1,000 years. The oil, which is extracted through a process of steam distillation gives off a wonderful, spicy, slightly masculine and soothing aroma. Today cedarwood oil is used for its aromatic properties, especially in aromatherapy, it can also be used to renew the smell of cedar furniture and wooden chests, drawers and wardrobes.
The benefits of Cedarwood
It’s the larvae of the moths, not the adults, that are the fabric munching monsters! However it is the adult moths that are drawn to the dark and undisturbed areas of your house, especially wardrobes, to lay their eggs. We know that the insect repelling power of cedar comes from the oil of the tree, which the clothes moth simply does not like the smell of, so will not lay it’s eggs where the fragrance is prominent. The strength of the oil is key. It can evaporate and it’s scent dissipates over time. Therefore if you do not refresh the products, then the moths may decide to move back in. Our new products are here to help!
At Total Wardrobe Care, we have been inspired by traditional natural methods. As such our products use a range of plant extracts, essential oils or pheromones to repel, attract and confuse clothes moths. Our latest range is based on cedarwood. Having bespoke wardrobes made of cedar is still out of most people’s reach so we have put together a beautiful range of brand new cedarwood products to add to our already existing products. The range includes cedarwood hanging sachets and cedarwood drawer sachets, new cedarwood solid hanging blocks which sit neatly between your hangers, and a new cedarwood blend linen spray. To refresh the blocks and for our wooden and ceramic diffusers, we have a new cedarwood essential oil, which has an uplifting and fresh fragrance. You can refresh the smell in your wardrobe instantly by spritzing the linen spray, and you can use our natural cedar refresher spray for our cedar balls, which we have been selling since we started our business, over 12 years ago.
We will happily talk you through your moth problem, as all of our staff are experts. Give us a call on 01420 588 588 or email us info@totalwardrobecare.co.uk
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