The feasibility of using modified atmospheres to control two museums insect pests, Anthrenus verbasci (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) and Tinea pellionella (Lepidoptera: Tineidae).

Abstract

Archaeological materials, particularly organic materials, such as leather, wood, natural fiber textiles and paper are vulnerable to damage and deterioration by biological organisms such as vertebrate pests, insects and even microorganisms, such as mold. The varied carpet beetle, Anthrenus verbasci (Coleoptera: Dermestidae), is one of the most common species of carpet beetles found in museum settings as well as homes (Zhang, 2013). Adults lay eggs on a larval food source, such as carpets, furs, or woolen fabric. Once the eggs hatch, the larvae feed heartily on these materials and cause damage. Tinea pellionella (Lepidoptera: Tineidae), is worldwide in distribution, the common name of casemaking clothes moth comes from the fact that the larva will carry a silken case with it throughout the entire larval stage untill it finally uses the same case to pupate in . The case consists of silken material produced by the larva intertwined with fibers from the material it is feeding on. The food source of this pest could