138 CLOTHES MOTH 



these full-grown beetles are a mixture of black, white, and red, 

 and look a great deal like small lady bugs. They live on 

 mullein and other flowers, but in the spring they come into 

 our houses to lay their eggs. Keep some of the grubs until 

 they turn into winged beetles, so that you may know the full- 

 grown insects when you see them. 



Fish Moths. In chests and boxes of clothes you may some- 

 times come upon shiny white insects that quickly run for 

 cover. Their bodies are large in front and tapering behind, 

 and are covered with silvery scales that may easily be rubbed 

 off. They are called fish moths or silver fish. These insects 

 often damage linen and cotton goods, especially those that 

 have been starched. 



Protection against Clothes-eating Insects. Almost the only 

 way to keep clothes free from moths is to clean them and pack 

 them in tightly closed bags, or in tight boxes with paper 

 pasted over all the cracks. Only the young insects do the 

 damage, and if the old ones can not get in to lay eggs, the 

 clothes are safe, for the young do not travel far. 



