---
title: Fight the Moth - It's the moth grub that does the damage
url: https://propagandaarchive.org/collection/uk-fight-the-moth-board-of-trade-1939/
description: 'A photographic and illustrated instruction sheet shows moth grubs under a magnifying glass and four household remedies: airing, brushing.'
section: Collection
---

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3. Fight the Moth - It's the moth grub that does the damage

[![Fight the Moth - It's the moth grub that does the damage, 1939 UK poster: A photographic and illustrated instruction sheet](https://propagandaarchive.org/collection/images/uk-fight-the-moth-board-of-trade-1939.jpg)](https://propagandaarchive.org/collection/images/uk-fight-the-moth-board-of-trade-1939.jpg)

# Fight the Moth - It's the moth grub that does the damage

A photographic and illustrated instruction sheet shows moth grubs under a magnifying glass and four household remedies: airing, brushing, ironing and beating. It is plain practical advice in everyday domestic imagery (plain folks), with no enemy or emotional appeal beyond the word 'fight'.

## Propaganda techniques used in this poster

[Plain folks](https://propagandaarchive.org/techniques/plain-folks/)

## Text on the object

Original (English) · read from the image, not independently checked

```
FIGHT THE MOTH
IT'S THE
MOTH GRUB
THAT DOES THE
DAMAGE

CLOTHES-MOTHS lay eggs. All the damage is done when the eggs hatch out into grubs, which feed on wool and fur exactly as caterpillars do on cabbage leaves. The only CERTAIN way to prevent your things from getting moth-eaten is to destroy the eggs and kill the grubs.

AIR EVERYTHING in the sun at frequent intervals. Sun and Air kill the grubs and keep the moth away.
BRUSH EVERYTHING thoroughly and often, especially in folds and seams. Shake well before brushing.

IRON WITH A HOT IRON over a damp cloth after brushing; carpets can be treated in this way.

BEAT HEAVY THINGS like blankets and rugs with a cane before airing.

ISSUED BY THE BOARD OF TRADE

PRINTED FOR H.M. STATIONERY OFFICE BY MULTI MACHINE PLATES LTD. LONDON E.C.4. 51-3734
B.O.T. 1005
```

[← Field-Marshal 'Potato Pete'](https://propagandaarchive.org/collection/uk-field-marshal-potato-pete-1939/) [From 1 to 5 Years Is the Vital Period →](https://propagandaarchive.org/collection/uk-from-1-to-5-years-is-the-vital-period-1939/)

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