Common Museum Pests (2 of 10)
Webbing and case-bearing clothes moth and larvae
Moths (continued)
Why are moths a problem?
Adult moths themselves do not pose a threat to collections. However, when the moths are in their larval stage, they may damage objects by:
- eating wool, fur, feathers, silk and skins to make a case in which to grow (case-bearing clothes moth)
- eating wool, fur, feathers, silk and skins to sustain their growth (webbing and case-bearing clothes moths)
- attacking damp wool, fur, feathers and skins (house moths)
- eating dried foods, such as cereals and nuts (Indian meal moth)
Objects that have been damaged by moths will show holes and (with case-bearing clothes moths) larva cases made from the digested object. You may also find frass in the bottom of display cases and inside protective covers.
