How Dry Ice “Evicts” Moths
Moths are pesky little things that do a lot of damage to clothing and textiles. Eliminate the threat with dry ice!
There is just nothing like a nice wool sweater. Wool is one of the most timeless fabrics available for good reason– it is so comfortable and warm as opposed to other fabrics. However, since wool is a biodegradable fabric sourced from animals, it is a frequent contender for bug real estate– especially in the forms of moths. Moths are infamous for laying eggs inside of your nice wool sweater, blanket, rug, or two-piece suit, and their babies are known for knawing huge holes into the fabric. Normally, the best way to deal with moths is to use poisonous pesticides, such as mothballs, to eliminate the problem. But did you know there is an alternate, completely non-toxic way to eliminate moths? That’s right; dry ice can eliminate moths as well in a completely chemical-free way! Learn more about it here.
How Dry Ice Fumigation Works
If you have a moth problem with your smaller clothes like sweaters and small blankets, look no further than dry ice fumigation. Dry ice is simply the frozen form of CO2, which, when contained, can deplete the natural supply of oxygen in the air. Essentially, dry ice fumigation can be used to kill insects like moths by removing the oxygen they have to breathe. Of course, it’s important to stay safe while performing fumigation of your woolen garments, so here’s how to do it step by step!
How to Perform Dry Ice Fumigation for Moth-Infested Clothing
- In a well-ventilated area, place all the affected clothes or items into a large, heavy-duty trash bag. Insert a large piece of dry ice into the bag. Please remember to handle the dry ice safely!
- Then, tie up the bag loosely, so there is still some way for the gas to escape (otherwise, there is an explosion risk.)
- Leave the bag to sit for two to three days once the ice has returned to gaseous CO2, then untie the bag and remove clothes to be washed.
Since the bag was allowed to fill with gaseous CO2, there would be very little oxygen in the bag for any organism to breathe properly, eliminating any and all pests, including eggs and larvae.
After Fumigation Treatment
There are a few things you can do to prevent a future moth infestation. Firstly, remember to wear your wool clothes often. Moths tend to lay eggs in undisturbed places. Secondly, avoid storing wool garments in closets by hanging them on a clothes hanger. Instead, store them in airtight containers like plastic bins or even thick plastic bags.
Dry Ice For All Your Needs
Dry Ice Corp is the largest regional supplier of dry ice and related products in the Northeastern United States. Our ice is fresh and delivered right to your doorstep. We are happy to help you determine the best way to ship your goods, whether you have a huge amount of cookies or a single pie, and help you select the perfect amount of dry ice for the job. Give us a call at (201) 767-3200 or contact us online for a quote. To connect with us online, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter.
