| len47merc | -- 05-13-2015 @ 7:21 PM |
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Hey guys - searched for 'moth' over the last 365 days and only got 1 very general hit, so need to ask for the best moth protection for our original interiors. Here in central NC we are having a weird hatch this spring of small light beige moths - they are everywhere in this neighborhood and darn near impossible to keep out of the house and especially the garage. Have the Merc's windows buttoned up tight but these are tricky little buggers - found for the first time this year (yes - have been anally checking nightly since the hatch started a couple of weeks ago) 4 in the interior tonight and panicked. Set up a flashlight vigil to ensure I got them all - hopefully no eggs have been laid. For an owner of a 68 year old original interior with no dry rot, no sun fade, no tears and no moth damage in any upholstery or headliner, and heading for my first Rouge Class judging next month, am quite frankly beyond concerned. What's the best way to protect the interior from these pests and their eggs? Tried and true moth balls? Will moth balls permanently override the scent of an original interior's wool and mohair that reminds us of our grandparent's living rooms? Or will it dissipate with airing out and allow this natural intoxicating scent to return? Is there a better solution? Need to take action quickly - thanks in advance - Steve
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| ford38v8 | -- 05-13-2015 @ 8:31 PM |
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Steve, You need to enlist the aid of the natural enemy of all breeds of moth. Just before dusk, set up a small blind at the far corner of a hay field. Hold open a good size gunny sack in front of you, with your flashlight behind shining through. Gently wave the top edge of the sack as if it were waving in the breeze. The best time of day is the twilight hour, as your quarry will be most active at that hour catching moths, mosquitos, and other flying insects. If you are good, you should be able to catch 3 or maybe 4 adult snipes before the full dark of night. Carry these little critters back to your garage and turn them loose inside your car. There are no species of moth that cannot be decimated by a pair of hungry snipes in a confined space. Alan
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| Drbrown | -- 05-13-2015 @ 9:16 PM |
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Ahhhhhh .... the old "snipes". When I was a kid in the 1940's: In the summer time, after dark in our neighborhood, when the parents wanted to get rid of us kids they would send us all on a "Snipe" hunt in the woods with our flashlights. Never saw or caught any, but I sure thought a lot about stealing a kiss in the dark from the girl next door.
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| carcrazy | -- 05-13-2015 @ 9:29 PM |
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You can use cedar chips in cloth bags or I have used small cedar wood blocks to keep the moths out of our '40 Ford. The fragrance of cedar is not nearly as offensive to humans as is the fragrance of moth balls.
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| len47merc | -- 05-14-2015 @ 6:20 AM |
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Here in NC snipe season officially opened on May 1. Unfortunately I've already filled all my tags and poaching is not an option for me so I'll have to wait until next season. Think I'll just line the garage with cedar and call it a day... Steve
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| TomO | -- 05-14-2015 @ 6:36 AM |
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My Lincoln came out of NC with a good supply of moth balls scattered around the interior. The odor disappeared after driving the car a couple of days. The Lincoln's seats are nylon and leather and only the carpet is wool, so the smells are different. I still get the new leather smell. There is no damage to the wool carpet, so the moth ball must have worked. Woolite will bring back some of the original odor of of the wool upholstery. I use it on my 40 Mercury as the seats and rug are wool. We don't have a serious moth problem where I live. I use a New Car Scent deodorizer that I bought at a car show. I am not sure of the brand, but it works pretty good for me. One short spray on the carpet in the Spring and I am good for the Summer. I used to use the Ozium brand and it worked also. I suggest that you go to Pep Boys and find one that appeals to your nose. Tom
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| len47merc | -- 05-14-2015 @ 6:50 AM |
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Thanks Tom - I'll give that a go. Steve
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| Stroker | -- 05-14-2015 @ 9:00 AM |
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38fordV8: Alan, grunions work well too, but your car will end up smelling like fish. Been snipe hunting as a kid in SoCal, so I can understand your problem.
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| 42oink | -- 05-14-2015 @ 1:47 PM |
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AARGH!! Moths. The bane of old car lovers. As they occasionally munched my Lebaron Bonney wool interior, here's what I did. Walmart sells large bags of cedar chip dog bed filler. Fill a couple pair of pantyhose with chips (take your wife out of them first!) and put in the front and back of your car. I change it out at least each year and have had good luck. Hope this helps.
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| c-gor | -- 05-14-2015 @ 3:20 PM |
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Moth Balls. Have used them for over 20 years. In addition the keeping your interior moth free they also keep out mice
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| Drbrown | -- 05-14-2015 @ 9:34 PM |
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I remember in forums the mention of dryer softener sheets as repelling all sorts.
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