Moths are attracted to mohair or woollen paw/feet pads and, if not addressed, can cause significant damage. The presence of 'casings', typically about 1cm in length and 2-3mm in width, along with moth eggs that may resemble grains of sand on your Teddy, are indicative signs.
So, what's the best method to eliminate them?
Freezing an old bear is not advised. You might wonder why.
The backing material of a vintage or antique mohair bear consists of cotton, which over time becomes increasingly delicate due to dust accumulation and wear and tear.
Vintage and antique bear heads are often stuffed with wood wool.
The issue arises during the thawing process after freezing, when ice transforms into water. Given the already delicate state of the fabric, introducing excessive moisture is ill-advised. For some older bears, this could lead to further fabric degradation.
Wood wool is inherently absorbent and will soak up water like a sponge. Since it's tightly packed and unable to dry quickly, the trapped moisture has no escape route, leading to potential mould growth in the wood wool.
We recommend some moth treatment sachets like these ones from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3vgxrXX
These sachets are made from natural lavender, which is disliked by moths. Encase your Teddy in a sealable bag along with one of these sachets - two are recommended for a larger Teddy - and leave it sealed for two weeks to cover the entire life cycle of the moth.
Afterward, remove your Teddy and gently yet thoroughly brush it, preferably outdoors.
TOP TIP: With any remaining sachets, place your now moth-free Teddy Bear next to one on a shelf or bed as a preventive measure.
Alternatively, you can place them on a bag of dried lavender or use cedar balls, as both serve as natural repellents.
Store your toys in an area that is airy and well-lit; moths favour the darkness and humidity often found in closets or drawers.