Two groups of insects feed on stored woolens, furs and feathers. They are which?

• A. Bed bugs and fleas
• B. Clothes moths and carpet beetles
• C. Termites and carpenter ants
• D. Spiders and mites

Answer: (D)

Pests that damage stored textiles are called textile pests, and the classic culprits are those whose larvae feed on keratin and natural fibers found in wool, fur, and feathers. Clothes moth larvae are notorious for boring into fabrics like wool and fur, leaving holes and thinning the material. Carpet beetle larvae also feed on these natural fibers and can cause significant damage to stored textiles, carpets, and other woolen items. Spiders and mites are arachnids and do not represent the typical insect pests that feed on fabrics in storage. Bed bugs and fleas feed on blood, while termites and carpenter ants attack wood, so they don’t describe pests that feed on stored woolens. The best match is clothes moths and carpet beetles.