CLOTHES - MOTH. Any of several small moths of the genus Tinea, the larva of which feed on woolen fabrics and furs. In the United States the depredations wrought by clothes moths, or 'moth,' are caused by at least three different species, which di&r both in structure and habits. One (Tinen palionclla) is a small brown moth, with darker brown spots on the fore wings, whose larvae. live within a case com posed of bits of the food-material bound together with silk. As the larvce increase in size, the silk capes are lengthened. and when the case becomes too narrow it is split open and a new part is inserted. as may be demonstrated by changing the caterpillar from time to time to differently colored materials. The larva 14 rnother, the carpet-moth (Tin ca lapel:x-11a), lives Withia :1 winding gallery made up of bits, of earpet or other cloth held together with silk. Its fore wings are blackish and yellowish white; the hind wings and head are dark gray. The straw-colored species (Tinca hiselliella) has a naked larva that spins a little silk over its food material, hut makes neither a case nor a gal Icry. When ready to pupate a cocoon is spun, which, like the larval cases of the foregoing, is eomposed of fragments of cloth bound together by silk. In the spring or early summer woolen
clothes and furs should be thoroughly brushed and subjected to direct sunlight. They should then be carefully packed away in cloth bags or tight boxes, together with naphtha - balls or tobacco-leaves. Tarred paper and plenty of newspapers are useful for wrapping up rugs. Bits of camphor-wood or cedar are also helpful in keeping out moths. A few drops of carbon bisulphide allowed to evaporate in a tight Qom rartment containing infested goods will kill moths and eggs: but as it is very inflammable and the fumes are injurious to man, it should be used with caution. Benzine and gasoline are also useful but rather dangerous moth-killers, and printer's ink is poisonous. The best pre ventive for rugs, etc.. is constant use and about ;' for small garments and furs, in c•osure in tight cloth bags. Consult Marlatt, Household Insects of the United States ( Depa rt men t of AgrienIture, Washington, 1880).