1. Refresh Cedar Blocks to Maintain Effectiveness. Sanding Blocks: Lightly sanding cedar blocks every few months removes the top layer of wood, rejuvenating the scent and effectiveness.
Cedar offers a great and pleasant-smelling way to discourage insects from feasting on your clothing, but it must be kept fresh if it is to be of any use. Fortunately, cedar that has lost its scent can be restored by simply sanding the exposed wood surfaces lightly.
Initially, when cedar blocks are fresh, their moth-repelling properties are at their peak. Over time, however, the intensity of the scent diminishes, which can reduce their effectiveness against moths. Typical Effective Lifespan: Generally, cedar blocks remain effective for about one to three years.
Cedar is a long-lasting repellant, but if the cedar chips or blocks are older than three years, they need to be replaced.
Uncoated, weathered cedar can often be restored to its original color by applying commercial products called cleaners, brighteners or restorers. Although intended primarily for restoring horizontal wood surfaces, they generally work almost as well on vertical surfaces.
You can use small sheets of fine grit sandpaper and lightly rub each ball. This should be done in a ventilated area outdoors or in the garage to avoid breathing the fine cedar dust. Sanding for just 30-60 seconds per side can refresh the aromatic scent for 6-12 more months of use.
The secret to cedar's ability to run off a whole host of unwanted critters are aromatic hydrocarbons (phenols) and acids it contains that are toxic. The phenols, which give cedar its delightful earthy scent, are what repels fleas, moths, cockroaches, venomous snakes, mice and rats.
Cedar is the better alternative to mothballs
Killigan's Cedar Planks are a natural insect repellent that emit a pleasant, delightfully woody scent. The cedar planks are (unlike mothballs) non-toxic, non-poisonous and non-harmful to humans and pets, making them an effective, safe and environmentally-friendly choice.
Cedar balls last for 6 months so to maintain their effectiveness, simply refresh them with our Natural Cedar Blend Refresher Spray. Between refreshes, you can also renew the natural aroma of your Cedar Balls by sanding lightly with sandpaper.
Not only has it historically been used to repel moths, keep bees and wasps away, deter termites from playgrounds (and other structures made of wood, including homes), and ward off insects from one's garden (when used as chips), but it has also been used as medicine to cure ailments such as colds, measles, worms and ...
Although cedar lasts a long time under ideal conditions and treatment, it tends to degrade more quickly when it's used for ground-level decks, and if it's shaded, it will slowly dry out.
Without a doubt, Cedar is the best natural moth repellent, followed by lavender. Just keep in mind, you have to first get rid of an infestation before you can prevent future moths. Otherwise, you'll just be hanging up Cedar and lavender sachets as decorations for the larvae to enjoy.
Real Cedar in its Raw Form
Untreated siding will eventually turn a beautiful silvery grey. But, if this is no longer the desired effect, you can usually get your siding back to its original color with wood brighteners, cleaners and restorers.
Dust blocks the aromatic oils that serve as natural repellents to invasive insects. As time goes on, cedar blocks eventually wear out after countless dust exposure.
Again, it's only a temporary distraction, as the oils in cedar do not last long. You can purchase cedar hangers, cedar blocks for moths, and sachets for your clothes and bureaus, but they will be effective for about 3 months.
Cedar powder or dust is likely to cause problems for pets. However, solid blocks are less likely to cause problems for your pet as the smell is repulsive to pets, and they are less likely to chew it.
Ideal for protecting clothing, linens, and other textiles, these versatile moth balls are also effective against other pests like silverfish and beetles, making them a great natural solution for both indoor and outdoor use.
Irish Spring soap is not likely to keep mice away from your house– and the strong fragrances could even be attractive to them. Rats & mice might initially be deterred by the overwhelming odor, but after a while they'll get used to it, and may even take a nibble to test it as food.
The answer is yes—cedar effectively repels a variety of pests, including mosquitoes, spiders, carpet beetles, cockroaches, fire ants, pantry moths, clothing moths and other fabric-damaging insects.
Cedar chests typically dry out the items that are stored within them, which is fine if it's clothing or paper. But you don't want a leather bag to dry out or it could become brittle and crack. Because of the potential for damage, it's best not to keep leather bags—or shoes or belts—in a cedar chest.
If you're using a cedar spray, [follow the directions on the bottle] give your cedar a generous spraying. Then allow to sit out and dry. If you're using a cedar oil, use a cloth to rub the oil into your cedar block. If things get overly slick, you can use a clean cloth or paper towel just to buff away any excess.