Issue 41 Spring web - Flipbook - Page 86
Protecting Our Heritage
Buildings with New Technology
We are all familiar with the risk that textile pests present to our heritage properties.
Recent newspaper headlines have told us, with the
subtlety for which they are renowned, that Great Britain
is currently suffering under a “plague,” of “crisis levels,”
and “alarmingly high” numbers of clothes moths.
antique garments, tapestries and upholstery, make
heritage buildings prime targets for clothes moths.
The damage inflicted by clothes moths can be
devastating, heartbreaking and irreversible. Moth larvae
voraciously feed on natural fibres, leaving behind
unsightly holes and weakened fabrics. In some cases,
especially during the covid lockdowns, entire collections
have been affected, resulting in significant financial and
cultural losses. The presence of moth damage can
compromise the integrity and aesthetic appeal of muchloved heritage textiles, detracting from their historical
significance.
Destroying our Historical Artefacts – one bite at a time
Clothes moths pose a significant threat to heritage
buildings, often wreaking havoc on precious textiles and
artefacts. These small, seemingly innocuous insects belong
to the Tineidae family. The two main species causing the
most damage are the webbing clothes moth (Tineola
bisselliella) and the casemaking clothes moth (Tinea
pellionella). Despite their diminutive size, their impact
can be monumental, especially in environments where
valuable textiles are stored or displayed.
Labour and Capital Intensive Traditional Solutions
Traditionally, mitigating the threat of clothes moths
in heritage buildings requires a multifaceted approach.
Regular monitoring and inspection of textile collections
are essential for early detection and intervention. Implementing proper storage techniques, such as using sealed
containers and periodically airing out textiles, can help
deter moth infestations. Maintaining stable environmental conditions, including temperature and humidity levels,
can create less hospitable conditions for the moths.
One of the main reasons clothes moths thrive in heritage
buildings is the favourable environment they provide.
These structures often have old, poorly insulated walls
and attics, creating warm, humid conditions ideal for
moth larvae development. The abundance of organic
materials such as wool, fur, feathers, and silk commonly
found in historic textiles and structures serves as a feast
for these pests. Extensive textile collections, including
Above, it is the larvae that do all the damage. Here they are munching away at the woollen fibres on a rug
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