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Fellow Packardites,
While fussing around with my tail lights I noted some very small flying insects that have taken up residence in the trunk of my Clipper. So, naturally I am worried about upholstery damage. These guys are very small, about the size of a grain of rice and light tan color.
I recently took delivery of the car from the lower 48 and I am fairly certain these guys hitched a ride because - Alaska is virtually pest free save for our state bird the mosquito.
I am familiar with moth-balls but I understand them to be a deterrent, not an erradicator. Is there a method and/or a product short of an exterminator to kill the critters and insure no future damage to the wool upholstery?
Thanks,
Mark

I keep fresh cut pieces of cedar or cedar wood chips in a small container(s) under seat and in trunk of all of my vehicles as well as the house.

Not sure if cedar is easily avaialable in Alaska or not.
JJust have to be careful of the sap that exudes from any ffresh cut.

I never liked moth balls for interior use because they stink so bad.

I'd just use a flying insect spray. Maybe a few applications a couple of days apart in both the passenger area and trunk. Just don't spray it directly on the wool. If the insect isn't native, that should take care of it.

Thanks guys,
Mark

I agree with Packard bent eight. I use nothing but a bag filled with cedar shavings in my '47 Super. Mothballs
are toxic to us, to all life, as well as insects. Same with poison in aerosol cans. If a coupla bags full of fresh cedar shavings don't drive them out, then spray carefully as JD suggests. But then stick with just cedar to prevent them or their relatives from returning.

Cedar's also a nice, fresh, natural smell. Our '40s and newer Packards have woodgrain instead of real wood veneer,
which is the only place they come up short against R-R and Bentley, in my 'umble opine, so this is a nice bit of win-win in the healthier bargain.

There is a pet friendly and people friendly insect spray on the market. Smells like peppermint, is all natural, and you don't have to worry too much about where you spray it. I had a lot of mosquitoes and other flying insects in my car, sprayed that stuff and it took care of them, as well as freshen up the car.

Link to their site:
http://www.ecosmart.com/products/ant-and-roach-killer/

-Garrett

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When I brought my car home it had rodents and a variety of nasty spiders taking up residence in it. Since the car was basically a wreck inside and out, I wasn't to worried about the environmental aspects of the bug spray I used.

I rolled up all the windows, and tossed on one of those "fogger" style bug bombs that was rated for an entire home and shut the door.

I managed to "super fund" the car. But I guarantee that nothing was left living.

Quote:
I was at a car show recently, and there was a beautifully restored '39 Buick. So I walked over to have a closer look, and upon examining the meticulously stitched interior, I was about knocked over by the smell of moth balls.

There's no way I could stand to ride in that car.

Amen. Aside from being toxic, carcinogenic, mothballs smell foul. You have to wonder why anyone would have a lovely old automobile that smells like dying geezers, a funeral home. Who wants to bomb around in that?
And these are some of the same zombies who wonder why younger people don't care about old cars unless someone's dropped a Chevy V-8, tilt wheel and velour upholstery in one. Ugh. Brain dead.