While precise control of temperature and humidity is desirable, it is not always practical in homes. Therefore, damage should be minimized by avoiding extremes in temperature and humidity. This can be done by insuring that paintings are kept away from heat sources such as furnace vents, fire places, warm lights and direct sunlight. A variety of pests can cause structural damage to textiles. These pests include clothes moths, carpet beetles, silverfish, firebrats and mice.
Clothing moths feed on protein materials such as wool and feathers.
The silky white cocoon webbing of clothes moths is often found stick to the surface of infested textiles. Clothes moths are generally white in color and they are approximately 8cm in length. Carpet beetles also feed on protein materials. Chewed holes, furry carcasses, and small worm-like insects are an indication of infestation. Frass is generally the same color as the textile.