DAMAGE TO FURS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 38, 15 February 1939, Page 2

DAMAGE TO FURS

ATTACKS BY MOTHS MEANS OF PREVENTION Tne moth has sometimes been called the furrier's best friend. An estimate of the yearly damage caused by moths would probably run into thousands ot pounds. Yet very few take precautions to prevent moth attacking their furs and only realise its presence when too late. Contrary to general belief, the moth itself does no damage. If you see it flying about in your wardrobe or in your room, you may be pretty sure that damage has already been done and more damage is in store. The motn appears from a crysalis which, in turn, was made by a moth grub. The moth seeks a dark, warm place in which to lay its eggs. Hatching begins after the first week and the grub immediately begins to feed. It grows rapidly and ultimately spins its cocoon from pieces of the fur or fabric upon which it has been living and so the vicious cycle commences over again. There is hardly any need to tell if your fur is mothy. Pieces ot fur fall ; off oh shaking, this being fur that is cut off at the root by the grub, but, if the pest has only just commenced you may have difficulty in finding it.

The best method is to lay the fur upon a cushion on a table, and, using a thin cane, beat it sharply. This has the effect of bringing any loose fur to the surface. If the. pest is still in the egg stage, this will be apparent to the touch, feeling like tiny bits ol grit adhering to the fur. Moths and their offspring have their likes and dislikes, and, generally speaking, dyed furs and particularly furs dyed black are less liable to attack than natural furs. But this is no rule, for a desperate grub will attack almost any fur when hungry. Air and cold are death to moths. Therefore, your furs should not be put away in a close, dark cupboard. Regular exposure to light ana draughts are the best preventives. Unless it is cold storage. Our grandmothers used to pin their faith on printers’ ink and when storing furs would wrap them in newspaper and place in a sealed box. While it appears that moths do dislike printers’ ink, this method cannol be recommended, as the danger of enclosing a few grubs is too great.

It is also claimed that pepper liberally sprinkled over the fur will kee; the moth away. ‘

Various chemicals are sold, some of which are efficacious so long as they retain their properties, but in course of time their effect wears off.

Cold storage while giving protection against moth is not necessarily a means of exterminating grubs which may already be installed. On removal to a warmer atmosphere they somehow return to active life. Cold storage is, however, an means of safeguarding your furs when not required for wear.