Greetings and happy July 5th to all. I'm currently framing an expensive Navajo rug, and while I've done textiles before, I'm not sure what the protocol is with wool products. Is there anything I can put in the framing package to ensure moths don't eat into it? Any info would be much appreciated!
Moths and Wool rugs
- Thread starter Wendy
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Welcome Wendy!
I don't think moths are attracted to wool that they can see in a frame package - I think they have to land on it and realise it is something they like to eat and lay eggs in - so a well sealed 'sandwich' of glass, mat and mount should suffice.
Wood, glass and foamboard doesn't do it for them.
I don't think moths are attracted to wool that they can see in a frame package - I think they have to land on it and realise it is something they like to eat and lay eggs in - so a well sealed 'sandwich' of glass, mat and mount should suffice.
Wood, glass and foamboard doesn't do it for them.
Thanks for the quick response! I'm just concerned that the rug may already have moth eggs in it, the client has had it for quite some time. Maybe the fact that the frame package will be sealed will solve the potential problem, but I am unsure if they still may hatch.
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Well, if the client has had it for quite some time I wouldn't worry too much - eggs only last a season - not like they are laid to hatch ten years on.
Research when the pupation season is and frame it after that!
Research when the pupation season is and frame it after that!
Live eggs could be a problem in the closed up frame. Whatever hatches might like the environment and cause significant damage before they are noticed.
I suggest having the rug professionally cleaned or, if it is old and fragile, have a conservator treat it before framing.
One treatment that works for some critters is to deep-freeze the item for about a week, let it thaw for a week, and then freeze it again. As I understand it, the concept is to have the critters frozen through the end of their gestation cycle. Perhaps someone more knowledgeable can offer more accurate information on this technique.
Personally, I have never had to deal with that. On the couple of occasions when customers asked us to frame possibly-infested items, we have subcontracted conservators to treat them.
I suggest having the rug professionally cleaned or, if it is old and fragile, have a conservator treat it before framing.
One treatment that works for some critters is to deep-freeze the item for about a week, let it thaw for a week, and then freeze it again. As I understand it, the concept is to have the critters frozen through the end of their gestation cycle. Perhaps someone more knowledgeable can offer more accurate information on this technique.
Personally, I have never had to deal with that. On the couple of occasions when customers asked us to frame possibly-infested items, we have subcontracted conservators to treat them.
Thanks for the thoughtful reply, Jim. After talking to a local textile appraiser who agreed that unhatched eggs are indeed a concern, she has referred me to a conservator who will hopefully have some answers. So far the freezing method appears to be the most viable option, as the chemicals used in cleaning are not desirable in this situation.
Wendy
Wendy