Back in the 80s, there were horrible stinky chemicals against moths. Those are all forbidden now, and that’s a good thing. What do you do against moths, then?

The pheromone trap doesn’t seem to be of much use. I spotted (and killed) two more moths but the trap is empty.

The internet suggested cedar blocks, so I ordered some of those.

Also, keeping the knitted items clean, which checks out: the most badly eaten item was a pair of thermal bottoms that I used as sleepwear this winter and hadn’t given a final wash yet. I guess the body odour adds extra flavour. I’ll be washing everything that I haven’t washed yet.

Finally, a layer of physical protection. It’s the larvae that eat wool, and those hatch from eggs, which means that the adult moths must be able to reach the woollen item. They don’t eat cotton or polyester, so I’ll be wrapping everything that isn’t in season in cotton bags. The easiest, cheapest way to get hold of a bunch of cotton bags? A dozen pillowcases from the charity shop, at 10 SEK each.

Luckily for me, the moths seem to prefer industrially spun superwash merino wool to the coarser, thicker fibres that I mostly use in my knitting. None of my hand-knits had any holes; it was only a few store-bought items.