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Household
Hints & HELP!
Protect
Stored Winter Clothing From Insect Damage
submitted
by Lorene Bartos, Extension Educator
This article appeared in the March 1,
2004 Lincoln Journal Star Newspaper.
As
spring and summer approach, it's important to properly store
winter clothing and blankets to protect the items from insect
damage.
The
worst thing to do is leave winter clothes hanging in a closet
during the summer, when insects are most active. Insects
also like to be in hidden places, so if the closet is too
full insects can easily hide in the clothing folds. Larvae
of carpet beetles and clothes moths are major pests as fabrics
and substances of animal origin are major components in
their diet.
The
most common Nebraska insects that damage clothing are carpet
beetles. These beetles are more resistant to low temperatures
and low humidity of the northern states. Adult carpet beetles
are small and oval, have knobbed antennae and scales or
hairs present on their body. These beetles can damage woolen
fabrics and rugs, fur, silk and leather by making tiny pinholes
in the fabric.
Clothes
are more likely to be damaged by insects if they have food
or perspiration stains, so before packing any clothing or
blankets make sure they have been washed or dry-cleaned.
Store clothing and blankets in a dark, cool, well-ventilated
place such as a dark closet. Attics are too warm, basements
may be musty and garages are easily accessible to insects.
Store
clothing in air-tight containers such as plastic tubs, plastic
sweater boxes or a cedar chest. Leather, fur or wool should
not be stored in plastic bags.
Two
varieties of moth crystals, paradichlorobenzene and naphathlene,
also can help repel insects. Paradichlorobenzene is the
best choice because as the chemical evaporates, the vapor
kills carpet beetles. Check storage boxes during the summer
because moth crystals might need to be replenished before
unpacking the clothing in the fall.
For
more information refer to the Insects,
Spiders, Mice and more web site
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