Storage and sealing that finally stopped the slow damage

Once I treated what I could, I had to keep things clean and sealed. That is the part I used to skip. It turns out storage is where you can win.

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What the evidence says

• Clean first, then seal. Prevention is the most effective step. Clean items are less attractive, and adults do not feed. Store in sealed boxes to keep females out.
• Damage hides in dark, undisturbed areas. English Heritage points to collars, cuffs, under furniture, carpet edges, and deep upholstery as common hotspots. I now vacuum those areas on a schedule. (English Heritage)
• Museums quarantine and monitor anything "incoming." That is a good habit for home life too. If I buy a vintage sweater, it lives in a sealed bag with a trap nearby for a bit before joining the rest. National Museums Scotland and museum IPM guidelines emphasize monitoring and clean storage to keep pests out. (National Museums Scotland)

My small‑apartment setup

• Garment bags that actually close air‑tight. I test by squeezing gently. If I feel air movement at the zipper or seams, it is not airtight.
• Lidded bins sized to fit a shelf. I label with the treatment method and date.
• Silica gel packs inside containers to keep general moisture down. I regenerate them in the oven and rotate.
• A big pet lint roller. I run it over knits before they go away for the season. It picks up hair, crumbs, and the occasional egg cluster along seams.
• A schedule. First weekend of the month I check traps, vacuum edges, and spot check garments that are high value.

If you do only one thing after treatment Put your clean wool in truly airtight enclosures. If there is any question about the seal, fix that first. Your future self will thank you.