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Moth protection for Hats

Bebop

Practically Family
Messages
951
Location
Sausalito, California
I sprinkle cedar shavings into all of my hat boxes along with wrapping my hats in plastic bags from the dry cleaners. I also sprinkle the shavings into the plastic bag. Moth balls are so smelly they keep me away from the hats along with the moths. Is this enough to keep the moths from damaging my hats? What do you guys and gals do to prevent moth damage?
 

Rigby Reardon

One of the Regulars
Messages
270
Location
Near the QM
I never put away my good hat, it's always out, and usually with me.

So I was wondering...would a cedar shaving - a long one, like a 1/2" wide, several inches long - tucked in the sweatband have the same effect? Is the scent of the cedar so pervasive that moths can't get NEAR it, or would this have no effect since it doesn't provide a 'magic circle of protection' around my fedora? ;)

(Serious question, despite my avatar.) :p
 

Zemke Fan

Call Me a Cab
Messages
2,690
Location
On Hiatus. Really. Or Not.
Rigby Reardon said:
I never put away my good hat, it's always out, and usually with me.

Clothing moths only feed on wool and other items that are stored in warm dark places. They will not stay on items that are used all the time and see the light of day.
 

Joedahat

New in Town
Messages
34
Location
Waterford, MI
Mothballs P. U.

We tell our customers to use cedar chips/balls/shavings in their hat boxes. But do not let the cedar touch the hat, as the oil from the wood, which has the aroma, will definitely stain the hat.
Have you ever steamed a hat that has been stored with regular moth balls? P UUUUUU!
 
Joedahat said:
Have you ever steamed a hat that has been stored with regular moth balls? P UUUUUU!

Yep, I sure have. MMMMM MMMMM! Love it. Love it. :p ;)
Don't forget about the other scents available though.
The shavings lose their scent far sooner than the moth balls as well. When the ball is gone you just replace it. You never know when to replace the shavings for sure.
If a hat is worn frequently then you usually do not have to worry about moth damage. Keep it clean and brushed and it should be fine. If you see something suspect then either moth ball it or have it cleaned. The moth balls work slower. The cleaning solution kills moths and their larve nearly instantly. Moth balls prevent further infestation after that.

Regards to all,

J
 

Zemke Fan

Call Me a Cab
Messages
2,690
Location
On Hiatus. Really. Or Not.
Freezing works, too...

jamespowers said:
If you see something suspect then either moth ball it or have it cleaned. The moth balls work slower. The cleaning solution kills moths and their larve nearly instantly. Moth balls prevent further infestation after that. J

Two or three days in the freezer also works well. Cheaper than dry cleaning.
 

Mycroft

One Too Many
Messages
1,993
Location
Florida, U.S.A. for now
How effective are the cardboard boxes you get at the hatters? What do I need to add to keep my hats mothless (within the cardboard boxes)? Also, what about humidity, what does it do, how do I provent humidity damage?
 

SHARPETOYS

Call Me a Cab
Messages
2,425
Location
Titusville, Florida
Answer.

Ok, here you go.

Please be advised that we do not sell in the U.S, but you may contact our associate, who does:



WILLERT HOME PRODUCTS INC

4044 PARK AVE



POWER HOUSE

ST LOUIS

MO MISSOURI

63110 US



314-772-2822



Thank-you,
 
Great. I can't get them because they are napthaline and the nuts here in California have banned it in this state. Perhaps they get enough money from the clothing lobby. "Yeah let all the moths eat their clothes and they will have to buy more." :rolleyes: Great. I guess it is regular moth balls for me---until they ban those.
Yes, the moth is the California state bird. :rolleyes:

Regards to all,

J
 

Warlock

Suspended
Messages
75
Location
In the woods by the dark water
Hats and moths! Never the twain shouild meet, hopefully. But... I have a Borsolino Rodolpho that was visited by such a picnicker to the detriment of that hat. It was in a box. The hats I most commonly wear sit on top of book shelves in my office with the fore of the brim hanging over. My few vintage hats are similarly displayed. I ask your advice on moth prevention and safe hat storage, please.

Does anyone know how likely it is that a moth will feast on an openly displayed hat? Or how much damage they can do at a sitting?
 
Warlock said:
Hats and moths! Never the twain shouild meet, hopefully. But... I have a Borsolino Rodolpho that was visited by such a picnicker to the detriment of that hat. It was in a box. The hats I most commonly wear sit on top of book shelves in my office with the fore of the brim hanging over. My few vintage hats are similarly displayed. I ask your advice on moth prevention and safe hat storage, please.

Does anyone know how likely it is that a moth will feast on an openly displayed hat? Or how much damage they can do at a sitting?

I store all my hats in the box after they come off my head. There is just no better way to keep them moth free. Out in the open they are subject to infestation. How much depends on where you are, the weather and previous incidences with moths in the house.
In the box, I put three of four moth balls in the box with the hat to make sure the defense is complete. ;)

Regards,

J
 

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