The new North-west. [volume] (Deer Lodge, Mont.) 1869-1897, 1879-09-05
Moths IN Furniture.

/ There are two species of moth which in
vest furnl ture-one is q large fly of silver
white color; the worm is also white, shaped
like chestnut worm, and is familiarly
known. It only infests furniture. The
other is a small fly of dark -drab color;
the worm is about one-fourth of an inch
long, and tapering flom the head 70 the
tail. 1t was first observed by upholsters
about seven years ago. .qg ssta,--ert sc4s
This fly pene rrates a sofa Or chair, gener-
ally between the back and seat of sofas, or
under the seats, where the vacancy among
the springs affords a safe retreat. Itmay
make lodgment in one week after the fur
niture is placed In the house. If such be
the case, in two months the worm will ap-
pear, and the continual process of procrea-
tion in a few months Increases the number
to thousands. slzsa.,s,i.r p I'D .zs.f f.,-
~ This moth has no season. 1t 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 pieces of furniture. the fly, the worm,
and the eggs-thus showing that they are
breeding and destroying all the time. 1t
does not eat good, pure curled hair, but
ia stems its cocoon to it, the elasticity of
which prevents its being disturbed. r; q
The inside of the furniture is used by it
only for the purpose of propagation. The
worm, when ready for, food, crawls ont and
destroys the covering, it of weolen or plush
material, and falling to the carpet destroys
it. - .-.se,.r-. ~ z..- :. m
q They rarely cut through plush from the
inside, but there. are instances where they
have cut up muslin ON the back Of sofas.
There is no protection against it except
continued care. .-4s,
New furniture should be removed from
the walls at least twice a week in the
spring of the year, and should be wen
whisked around, particularly under seats,
to prevent the fly from lodging. This is,
an effective pEeventatiYe-and the only one
known. 54 g-s.s,,...,.
Cayenne pepper, Scotch snuff, camphor,
turpentine, and all other remedies for pro-
lection from the large moths, are Of little
or no avail against the furniture moth.
ISaturation with alcohol will not destroy
them ON any piece of furniture. ,.sgsssg9..
v If the furniture is infested they may be
removed by taking off the muslin from nm
der the seats and off The outside ends, and
backs, where they congregate most and ex-
pose it to the air as much as possible. Beat
well with the whisk or open hand, and kill
all the flies or worms that show themselves.
This done often will disturb them and may
make them leave the furniture. Their de-
sire Is to be left quiet. a. gag- f,s
& When furniture Is free from moths, and Is
to be left during the summer months with
out attention, it may be protected by cam
phor, in small bags, or highly concentrated
patchouli. The safest way is to have the
furniture well whisked twice week
If tho moths attack the carpet, which
they will first do under the sofas and chairs,
spread wet sheet on the carpet and pass .
hot flat-iron over it quickly, and tha steam
will efectually destroy both worm and
egg.-Nay 10, 1877. sas....