What's Eating Your Collection?

 This is the best way to remove dead insects and larvae from objects. Use a vacuum with variable suction and turn the suction down to low to begin with - you can turn it up gradually until you achieve the optimum level of suction to remove the insects without sucking up the object.

Vacuum the whole object, even if there seems to be no evidence of insects in some areas. The larvae may be too small for you to see.

Take particular care when vacuuming carpets, rugs or other textiles as the insects may have chewed through the base of the fibres. Vacuuming may remove the fibres leaving bald spots. When vacuuming this type of object, vacuum carefully in an unobtrusive area with the suction turned to low. If the vacuum does not have variable suction, try brushing with a stiff brush (e.g. toothbrush) in a small area. If the fibres are dislodged, brush the insects towards the vacuum tube using a stiff brush. The remaining debris can be removed by vacuuming the textile through a net screen in a grid pattern.

Once the insests have been removed, empty the vacuum or throw away the bag. The debris or bag should be placed into a bag that is sealed before placing it in a waste bin to prevent reinfestation. Then wash out the vacuum tube and tools and wipe out the inside of the vacuum.