INSECTS INJURIOUS TO CLOTHES 199 



real function and value, then, of cedar chests or closets 

 lies in repelling the moths and keeping them away from 

 the garments. The garments, however, must be free 

 from all eggs and larvae of the moths before being put in 

 chests. Great care must be taken to shake and brush 

 the garments and to hang them in the sun and air until 

 all of the larvae and eggs have been shaken loose and 

 destroyed. 



In the second place, it should be plainly understood 

 that garments which are often worn are not liable to be 

 injured. It is the clothing and materials that are stored 

 away in closets, trunks, and boxes, for a long time undis- 

 turbed, that are badly troubled. It is under such condi- 

 tions that the moths get an opportunity to deposit their 

 eggs and the eggs have a chance to lie undisturbed long 

 enough to hatch and the larvae have occasion to eat and 

 grow toward maturity. 



Sunlight and air are among our best available agents 

 of protection from clothes moths. Garments should be 

 hung in the air and sun and then thoroughly brushed and 

 shaken to dislodge the eggs and larvae that may be on 

 them before being put away for the summer. In addition, 

 they should be taken out occasionally (once a month) 

 and brushed, shaken, and aired. The same treatment 

 should be accorded woolen blankets and bedding that 

 are to be stored. After they are once thoroughly cleaned, 

 they may be packed away with a supply of camphor balls 

 distributed among them to repel the moths. It is advis- 

 able to spray the cracks in closets and chests with benzine 

 or gasoline before putting in the clothes in order to kill 

 any eggs or larvae of the moths that may be lurking there. 



A few old woolen rags or pieces of old furs stored in 



