Attack of the moths!

HORSHAM museum has been put on high alert after it was hit by an infestation of moths that have eaten through an invaluable collection of historic clothes containing garments over 300 years old.

Museum curator Jeremy Knight said: "The creature multiplies rapidly and it is chewing away and destroying virtually everything in its path.

Story here. I've had my own battles with moths, both in the kitchen and in the closet, but museums have a rather more difficult time of it. Nowadays insecticides and mothballs are considered too risky for delicate old fabrics, so instead you have to do this:

"We rely on teams of highly dedicated, skilled people working to dissect the damaged and torn material and extract the creatures. As each item is reviewed, the moths will be removed by hand whilst gentle vacuum cleaners will suck out the eggs and frith from the discarded casings that other moths can feed on. Any infested costume or textile will be kept isolated for up to a month because, like some diseases, the moths can reappear after you think you have the all clear."

Posted by David on June 10, 2006 4:53 PM