Features

• The strong woody smell from cedar oil plays the key role in repelling moths, but it doesn't kill them, reports Washington State University Cooperative Extension. Although cedar shavings contain this cedar scent, the oil evaporates quickly as the thin wood shavings dry out, thus leaving your clothes susceptible to hungry flying scavengers, especially if the clothes aren't stored in an airtight container.
  
  

Identification

• Cedar shavings consist of small, shaved chunks of cedar wood that are generally bagged and available for purchase at pet supply centers as animal bedding. When using cedar shavings as a moth repellent, minimize mess by pouring approximately one cup of the shavings inside the leg of an old pair of pantyhose and storing it with your wool-based clothing, suggests Melodie Moore, author of "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Household Solutions."
  
  

Considerations

• Minimize moth damage by cleaning your clothing before putting it in storage with cedar shavings; this typically discourages moths from laying eggs on the clothing. For maximum protection, store the clothing in airtight containers like cedar chests or plastic clothing tubs. Consider replenishing the cedar scent by applying cedar oil to the cedar shavings once they dry out.