Evil and hungry moths ate my cardigan

One cold day recently I entered my walk-in robe in search of a favourite cardigan to cosy up into. It is the sartorial equivalent of huddling under the doona on a winter night, listening to the patter of raindrops on the roof.

Imagine my horror when I pulled it out and discovered that evil and hungry moths had lasciviously dined upon it! This was no small hole either: the greedy insects had ravaged an enormous wound upon the silk-and-wool-mix yarn as the garment hung blamelessly on the rail. Couldn’t they have gone for some lesser item? The cardigan had been rendered completely unwearable. I am no darner either – who is these days?

I had to instantly bundle up the lovely wrap-around Obüs cardie and stuff it into a bag full of other items designated for the charity bin. I couldn’t even look upon it any longer: the sight was too painful.

…the greedy insects had ravaged an enormous wound upon the silk-and-wool-mix yarn as the garment hung blamelessly on the rail.

I suppose I had only myself to blame: the moth repellent had run out. The little cage swinging on its hook was lamentably empty. In my drawers I keep cedar balls (see figure 1); they can be renewed with cedar oil when the wooden balls dry out.

Failing prevention, I am rather fond of the cure (see figures 2–4). The illustrations are rather graphic, so I urge all tender-hearted mothologists not to scroll down.

(N.B. No actual insects were harmed during the making of these illustrations.)

Insect spray: also useful for the immediate eradication of huntsmen spiders and blowfiles, spray does have the potential drawback of asphyxiation. Recommended for serious infestations only.

The makeshift swatter: any reading material ready to hand can be swiftly rolled up and applied with a quick thwack to remove the offending insect.

The used tissue: my personal favourite, for the obvious benefit of recycling. Additionally, one can immediately wipe away any residue from the scene.