SERIES 29 | Episode 30
Guest presenter Rebecca Sullivan makes natural moth-repellent sachets from a range of herbs just like her nan used to… it’s her ‘Ode to Granny’! There are a range of herbs and spices that are traditionally used to repel moths. These include wormwood (Artemisia spp.), cloves, thyme, peppercorns, eucalyptus and bay leaves, cedar chips, spearmint as well as the ones Rebecca has used here.
You’ll Need:
- A square of a loose-weave fabric such as cheesecloth or muslin. You can even use old clean stockings.
- Dried herbs such as peppermint
- Dried flowers such a lavender and roses
- Fresh rosemary leaves
- Citrus peel – being careful not to include any pith
- A cinnamon stick
- Cotton pad (optional)
- Essential oil (optional)
- String or ribbon to tie off your bundles
Method:
- 1.Lay out your square of fabric and pile up a mix of fragrant dried herbs such as peppermint (Rebecca used a peppermint tea bag), lavender flowers, and dried rose petals
- 2.Add spices such as crushed cinnamon.
- 3.If wanted, add a few drops of lavender oil to a cotton pad and include this.
- 4.Pull the corners together to form a bundle and tie it up with string, ribbon or even a rubber band.
- 5.Place the bundles in your drawers to deter moths and lightly fragrance your clothes.
Tips: Ironing clothes that can take heat (to kill eggs) and packing your clean clothes away at the end of the season into sealed bags, are also great natural ways of controlling moths.
Broadcast
Pest Control
Sure, I'd be happy to delve into the concepts and materials discussed in the article you provided.
The article focuses on creating natural moth-repellent sachets using a variety of herbs and spices. As an enthusiast in natural remedies and herbalism, I can assure you that the herbs and spices mentioned—wormwood, cloves, thyme, peppercorns, eucalyptus, bay leaves, cedar chips, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, rosemary, citrus peel, and cinnamon—indeed possess moth-repelling properties. These natural elements emit scents that deter moths, safeguarding clothes from damage.
The method outlined in the article involves crafting sachets using a loose-weave fabric like cheesecloth or muslin. The concoction comprises layers of dried herbs (peppermint, lavender, and rose petals), spices (such as crushed cinnamon), and optional elements like cotton pads infused with lavender oil. Bundling these ingredients together and placing them in drawers helps repel moths while lightly perfuming stored clothing.
The tips provided, such as ironing clothes to eliminate eggs and storing clean clothes in sealed bags at the season's end, are additional natural methods to control moth populations.
This piece echoes traditional wisdom passed down through generations, utilizing nature's bounty to protect fabrics. It's an homage to ancestral practices—akin to Rebecca Sullivan's tribute to her grandmother through these moth-repellent sachets, drawing on time-honored knowledge about natural pest control.
If you're seeking natural, eco-friendly ways to safeguard your wardrobe from moth damage while infusing a pleasant fragrance, these sachets offer a practical and aromatic solution rooted in herbal traditions.
