Linking webbing clothes moths to infested objects or other food sources in museums

Abstract

The webbing clothes moth Tineola bisselliella (Hummel, 1823) is one of the most common museum pests and can be found all over the world. The larvae damages objects made of feather, wool, fur, and other keratinaceous materials. Pheromone traps are important tools in integrated pest management, which allow the detection of infestations and evaluation of their extent. Organic-rich dust (detritus) or other materials of animal origin, such as dead birds, can be an alternative food source for the moths. This paper analyzes monitoring data collected with pheromone traps from six different museums in Vienna and Berlin and tries to differentiate between moths resulting from infested objects or moths coming from other food sources, such as organic-rich dust. Annual totals of moths trapped and catch rate (moths per trap) are important guides for selecting appropriate remedial measures. Long-term data (over six years) enabled us to interpret monitoring results and differentiate between active infestation of objects and cleaning or housekeeping problems. However, detailed knowledge of the site and buildings, availability of high-quality food for the larvae, and lack of regular cleaning are also important factors to consider when interpreting the data.

Insect Pests and Integrated Pest Management in Museums, Libraries and Historic Buildings

“…A few species of moths are found inside buildings and are important pests, predominantly the webbing clothes moth ( Tineola bisselliella ), which is probably the most important pest on textiles, fur and feathers [ 25 , 26 , 60 , 61 , 62 , 63 , 64 , 65 , 66 ]. The webbing clothes moth is a pest on the textiles of animal wool (sheep or goat for example), fur, feathers, hair, felt, silk, carpets, rugs, blankets, upholstery, piano felts, fishmeal, milk powder, brush bristles, but often also come from dust [ 25 ]. The case bearing clothes moth ( Tinea pellionella ) has similar food requirements (wool, rugs, feather material, felts, hair, furs, but can feed also on spices, tobacco, hemp and skins) to the webbing clothes moth but is found less often in museums.…”

“…Insect pest monitoring is an important part in IPM to detect active infestations. Collecting specimens helps to correctly identify the species involved and to locate the infested objects or problems within the building [ 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 ]. All these aspects require a trained person: This person coordinates the IPM project, collection of data, coordination of treatments and sets priorities for further actions.…”

Insect Distribution in a Vacant Multi-Level Office Building

“…They are common in cities and can infest new buildings by flying in from the surrounding area, but mostly they are transported inside with infested materials [20]. Moths can also feed on dead animals (e.g., mice) or organic materials within dust [21,22]. In the past, it was assumed that they also originated from bird nests; however, this is more likely true for the case of the bearing clothes moth (Tinea pellionella Linnaeus, 1758) [12,15].…”