LAUSR

Abstract Wool is one of the most ancient and highly preferred fibers to mankind and is extremely susceptible to insect infestation which is a major concern to the woolens and is an age-old issue. Woolens, stored in a poorly ventilated, dark, and humid atmosphere are prone to the moth attack. The larvae of clothes moth and carpet beetle severely attack woolens and animal fibers. While chemical anti-moth formulations are effective in preventing the moth attack, their toxicity is also a major concern. Herbal formulations, including natural dyes, are found to be effective in repelling the moth. It has become the need of the hour to popularize herbal mothproofing agents for effective management of these textile pests. Recently nano chemicals are also attempted for moth repellency. This paper reviews various insects attacking wool, their management, natural and synthetic antimoth agents along with antifeedants, their mode of action, and standard testing methods.