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You need to remember that it is not the moths themselves that do the damage. It is the larva that hatch from the eggs laid by the moth.
What attracts the moths is the dirt, dead skin cells, and sweat embedded into the fibers. This stuff is what the larva feed on. If you want to keep your kilts moth hole free make sure they are clean and well aired out.
This attraction to their food source is one reason that you commonly find moth holes in the center of the under aprons of kilts.
Moths and their larva hate sunshine and fresh air. It is actually the best thing you can do is hang your kilt on the line outside. Not only will moths not go near clothes on the line but the sunshine actually helps clean the wool.
The worst thing you can do with woolens is seal them in an airtight plastic bag. They cannot breathe and the moths will be in heaven finding all those smells sealed up awaiting them.
One note on using cedar as a moth repellant. Only aromatic cedar will work. Most of the chips and flakes of cedar you buy are not the aromatic type and do nothing. If you can't find aromatic cedar you can use potpourris of lavender, thyme or rosemary. These actually work quite well. They have been used for centuries.
Freezing will kill the eggs if you have them. It may be far better not to get them in the first place by keeping your kilts clean. If you want to bag them use cloth bags that allow air circulation.
And BTW, moth balls of napthalene do not repel moths. They poison and suffocate the larva. The moth balls themselves evaporate over time. As they evaporate they release Naptha that will melt plastic. So do not use Napthalene in plastic bags or near synthetic kilts.
Will moths lay eggs in synthetic garments? Yes. It is not the fibers they are after but the dirt and oils. The larva do not eat the synthetic fibers as much as eatable wool but if the kilt is dirty and sealed up, yes they will put their holes there too.
And no, this is not a polystermite story.
Steve Ashton
Forum Owner
The Following 6 Users say 'Aye' to Steve Ashton For This Useful Post:
Freezing will kill the eggs if you have them. It may be far better not to get them in the first place by keeping your kilts clean. If you want to bag them use cloth bags that allow air circulation.
When I ordered my kilt I was told the best way to store it was rolled and inside an old stocking. The thin fabric will protect it from moths and allow it to breathe. I've noted the comments about airing before storage and also ensuring the under-apron is cleanQ
This is from Wikipedia.
"◦Heat (120 °F or 49 °C for 30 minutes or more) – these conditions may possibly be achieved by placing infested materials in an attic in warm weather"
So with the current heat wave in the US there should be plenty of hot attics and cars around to toast your kilts.
As Steve stated the best method is prevention.
Simon Fraser fought as MacShimidh, a Highland chief… wrapped and belted in a plaid over the top of his linen shirt, like his ordinary kinsmen. He put a bonnet on his head, and stuck the Fraser emblem, a sprig of yew, in it. With the battle cry, A'Chaisteal Dhunaidh and the scream of the pipes, they charged to battle. "The Last Highlander" Sara Fraser
Thanks everyone... great advice and I learned some things too. So I won't be too concerned, since the kilt was in bright sunshine and 30+ temperatures.
Originally Posted by Steve Ashton
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