Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1895-06-18
MOTHS


Now that the heavier garments which
have done service through the win
ter aud spring months are TO be laid
away, thought should be given to the
ever-present danger Of moth depreda-
lions, and effective precautions should
be taken TO guard against the rsvages OF
these little pests. II Is well known that
4 cedar chest Is absolutely moth proof,
ms the destructive insects cannot stand
the cedar odor. These are not particu-
larly expensive, and may be had from
any furniture dealer. In case IL Is not
convenient 10 purchase one, most car
penters will be glad TO make plain box
with a simple fastening, the cost OF
which will be very triiling.
A careful wrapping in strong, unbrok-
en- paper is almost as effective as the cedar
chest, ms moths either cannot or will not
penetrate u paper wrapping. Most In
structions IN this direction insist upon
covering the bottom of the receptacle
with paper-newspapers being employ
ed il convenient. But that Is after all a
superiority, since II the articles are care
fully wrapped, 1t matters little how
many moths are harbored In the bottom
of the receptacle. But like the vuiner-
able point Of Achilles, slight tear or
break in the paper affords ingress TO all
the hungry mites.
The use Of camphor Is also very ef-
ficient preventive, as its odor Is effective,
while il does not permanently cling to
the garments, as do the fumes OF some
so-called moth balls, the effects OF which
can only with great difficulty be dissi-
pated. These preparations are doubtless
entirely reliable, so far as the single
item of keeping away the moths Is con-
cerned; but il Is not necessary TO en-
ploy anything Of an offensive nature,
when, if properly understood, there are
many quite as simple and quite as effect
i've preventives, which do not have the
disa greeable smell complained Of. linger-
ing indefinitely to the annoyance Of the
wearer or user of any article so treated,
as we'll as Of those with whom she comes
in contact.
Naphtha is another moth remedy OF
preventive which may be recommended
Oh the ground of certainty In effect; but
1t has the disadvantage Of being very In
fammable, and of dissgreeable odor-
the latter being quite readily dissipated,
however, on exposure to the open air.
Where room Is known to be infested
with moths, 1t may be fumigated by
burning a piece of camphor gum as large
as a walnut. TO do this effectively,
closets and drawers should be opened,
all the clothing liable to be infested
sh ould be spread out upon the backs OF
chairs or other furniture, the doors and
windows being closed. For room OF
ordinary size piece Of camphor gum as
large as q walnut will be sufficient. II
should be placed in an iron vessel, par
italy filled with dry ashes, and this In
turn be set In the centre Of large pan,
nearly full Of water. The gum should
be saturated with alcohol, and quite a
fierce little blaze will follow the appli-
cation Of lighted match. The person
officiating, having made sure that all
will go right, needs no explicit instruc-
ton to retire, closing the door tightly
that will be done without waiting to refer
to the printed instructions. In half An
hour the fumigation will have been COM
pleted, when the doors and windows
should be opened for an hours airing.
One other point may be emphasized at
this time. The moth loves darkness,
and all his deeds are done under Its
shadow. Before putting goods away,
therefore, it is an excellent plan to hang
them out of doors, in a strong light-the
direct sunshine, II they will bear it-for
at least several hours, and II for day OF
two 80 much the better.