Connecticut western news., 1873-08-01
Moths in Furniture,

There are two species of moths which infest furniture. One is a large fly, of silvery white color ;, the worm of the same is shaped like chestnut worm, and is familiarly known. It rarely in- | fests furniture. The other is small fly, of dark drab color the worm is about one-fourth of an inch long, and tapering from the head to the tail. It was first observed by upholsterers about thirteen years ago. This fly penetrates a sofa or chair, generally between the back sofas, or under the seats, where the vacancy among the springs affords a safe retreat. It may make a lodgment in one week after the furniture is placed in house. If such should be the case, in two months the worm will appear and the continual process of procreation in few months increases the number to thousands. -
 This moth has no season. It destroys in winter and summer alike, as it is kept in active life by the constant heat of the house. We find at the same time in the same piece of furniture, the fly, the worm, and eggs-thus showing that they are breeding and destroying all the time. Itdoes not eat good pure, curled hair, but fastens it's cocoon to it, the elasticity of which prevents it's being disturbed. The inside of furniture is used by it only for purposes of propa- gation.
 The worm when ready for food, crawls out and destroys the covering, if of woolen or plush material, and falling to the carpet destroys it. They rarely cut through plush from the inside, as it is of cotton back, but there are instances where they have cut up muslin on the outside backs of sofas. There is no pro- lection against it but continual care New furniture should be removed from the walls at least twice week at this season of the year, and should be well whisked allround, and particularly under the seats, to prevent the fly from lodging. This is an effectual proven tive, and the only one known. Cayenne pepper, Scotch snuff, turpentine, and all other remedies for protection from the large moth are of little or no avail against the furniture moth. Saturation with alcohol will not destroy them when in piece of furniture.
 If the furniture is infested, they may be removed by taking off the muslin from under the seats, and off the outside ends and back, where they congregate most, and exposing it to the air as much possible. Beat we'll with whisk or the open hand, and kill all the flies and worms which show themselves. This done often will disturb them, and may make them leave the furniture, as it's desire is to be left quiet. When the furniture is free from moths, and is to be left during the summer months with out attention, it may be protected by camphor in small bags, or highly con- cenSrated patchouly. The safest way is to have furniture well whisked twice a week.
 If the moth attacks the carpet, which they will first do undor the sofas and chairs, spread wet sheet on the carpet and pass hot fat-iron overit quickly the steam will effectually destroy both worm and egg. If furniture is delivered in dwelling free from moths, the up holsterer's responsibility ends there, and all rests with the hehousekeeper, as no tradesman can tell whether the moth will attack it or not. There are cases where the furniture has been in use ten or twelve years before being attacked. It would be as fair to hold the tailor re- sponsible for the safety of clothing as to hold the upholterer responsible for the safety of furniture. e.- Cabinet Maker.