We see them all the time and want our loyal customers to know what we know. They are more common than you think. Holes such as these are made by moths, crickets, silverfish, and firebrats. Fact: These insects do not eat the wool, rather they are feeding off a stain or soil on the fabric. They prefer dark places, are usually in the larvae stage, therefore not visible to the naked eye, and are active at night. The hole created is usually very small. Most times, it becomes larger as the fabric breaks down. Many times, it is invisible until the fabric opens up during the cleaning process. Unfortunately, once you see one, it usually means there are more that are not yet visible. Depending on size and location, we can only repair certain holes.
Mothballs containing PDB are effective but can damage fabrics if they come in contact. Moths can also be naturally repelled by dried lavender, essential lavender oils, and cedar wood chips. Silica gel can be used for firebrats and silverfish.
