The Bamiléké juju hat, made from carefully selected natural feathers, is not just a decorative element, but an invitation to bring a piece of culture and nature into your living space. However, the choice of feathers and their quality are essential to avoid the inconvenience of moths, which can damage this piece of art. So make sure you buy your juju hat from craftsmen who pay particular attention to these details for a hassle-free experience.
If you're concerned about moth infestation or the general condition of your juju hat, this article provides essential tips for eliminating and preventing them.
1. Identify the problem
Before starting the disinfection process, it's essential to identify the presence of moths on your juju hat. Here are some signs to look out for:
- The presence of insects around during the day or at night,
- The presence of small clusters of fine powder at the bottom of the juju hat when hung, which are actually moth droppings,
- Pieces of material that seem torn or frayed.
If you have identified the presence of moths on your Juju Hat, remove it immediately from its location and place it in an isolated area to prevent the spread of moths. You can then use the following methods to eliminate them.
2. The bug spray method
Make sure you have a container in which you can place the juju hat. We recommend a large garbage bag that you can seal tightly.
Spray a product (spray) against insects that you can find in stores. Spray by spreading the feather stems apart so that you can reach the wicker base.
Then seal the garbage bag and leave for 24 to 48 hours.
Take out the traditional feathered hat and shake it towards the ground for a while to knock off any dead larvae.
For obvious reasons, we recommend carrying out the operation outside your home. If you are unable to do so, please ensure that you ventilate well during the operation.
3. The freezer method
Another trick is to place the juju hat in an airtight plastic bag and put it in the freezer for at least 48 hours. The cold will kill the moths and their larvae.
But make sure the bag is hermetically sealed to prevent moisture from permeating the juju hat.
This solution is possible when you have a large freezer and depending on the size of your juju hat.
4. Prevention as a basic method
Once your Bamiléké hat is clean and free of moths, it is important to take steps to prevent further infestation:
- Explore the eShop and find your favorite insect-treated juju hats,
- Place one or two cedar wood moth balls (which you can regularly soak in?essential oils of cedar or lavender) to keep insects away from your beloved juju,
- Use vacuum bags to protect the juju hat when not in use,
- Insert into the heart of the Bamiléké headdress one or two mothballs which are small balls of chemical pesticide and deodorant, sometimes used to store clothes and other materials liable to be damaged by mold or moth larvae.
- Place lavender sachets or cedar balls in the cupboard where you keep your Bamiléké hat,
- Inspect the juju hat regularly for any potential new infestation.