334 THE POPULAR SCIENCE MONTHLY. 



household pests is this little moth. Most housekeepers are famil- 

 iar with the different stages of its growth, and all are aware 

 of the fact that it is not the little delicate silvery moth that does 

 the damage, except indirectly by laying its eggs in our woolen 

 garments. 



The moth, measuring less than half an inch across its spread 

 wings, easily makes its way through the smallest crevices, and 

 unless care is taken in the spring and summer we may find gar- 

 ments that have been 

 carefully laid away in 

 boxes and drawers, as 

 well as clothes hanging 

 in closets, are infested 

 by this creature. As a 

 general rule, the worm 

 deb a seems to prefer partial- 



Fig. 1.— Clothes-Moth, a, the moth (natural size) ; b, larva ; ly worn and Soiled gar- 

 c, case ; d, pupa (b, c, and d are enlarged).* n , n 



ments to new cloth. 



Early in the spring garments should be well beaten and 

 brushed to dislodge the moths or any eggs that may have been 

 deposited in the folds of the cloth, and then hung in the air and 

 sun for a while. 



When possible, garments should be folded in paper, leaving no 

 chance for the moth to enter ; large paper bags being convenient 

 for this purpose. Camphor-wood or red-cedar chests are valuable 

 in protecting articles which can not easily be wrapped in paper, as 

 the odor of these woods is disagreeable to the moth ; and when 

 these are not to be had, oil of cedar poured on paper, which is then 

 rolled up so that the oil shall not grease the garments, will make 

 an ordinary box moth-proof. These rolls of paper should be scat- 

 tered through the box and should be renewed two or three times 

 during the spring and summer. It is said that black pepper or 

 whole cloves sprinkled among woolen clothes will prevent the 

 moth from depositing its eggs, as will also pieces of tallow 

 wrapped in paper, and the odor of carbolic acid, turpentine, or 

 benzine is very offensive to the moth. Camphor, as is well 

 known, is beneficial in keeping away moths, but should never be 

 placed near seal-skin, as it causes this fur to change color, show- 

 ing streaks of gray or yellow. The great secret in taking care of 

 furs is said to be frequent and thorough beating, the furs being 

 kept in close closets lined with tar-paper. 



It has been said that the odor of tobacco is disagreeable, but in 

 the experience of some it has seemed rather to attract than to re- 



* Figs. 1, 5, and 6 are from Our Common Insects, by Prof. A. S. Packard, and we are 

 indebted to the kindness of the author for permission to use them. 



