Is this the beginnings of a moth hole?

Laura

Laura

Alumni
I'm working on the listing for this coat-

<img src="http://www.vintagefashionlibrary.com/images/ebay/vintage/tan_wool_fur_coat_1.jpg">

I'm trying to figure out the best way to describe these not-quite-holes:

<img src="http://www.vintagefashionlibrary.com/images/ebay/vintage/tan_wool_fur_coat_9.jpg">
<img src="http://www.vintagefashionlibrary.com/images/ebay/vintage/tan_wool_fur_coat_10.jpg">

There are several scattered about the coat. It's as if the top nap of the fabric has been eaten or worn away, but it isn't a hole. My suspicion is that they're moth nibbles instead of moth holes - is that right?

Thanks!
Laura
 
Hi Laura,

I refer to these as moth nibbles. I know some of these when a garment is dry cleaned can become actual holes :( unfortunately.

Sue
 
:( Thanks for the confirmation. It's good to know that they can become holes during cleaning - I didn't know that.

Laura
 
I didn't realize that about carpet beetles Jody. If drycleaned and it is
beetle munching, can holes develop?

Sue
 
I was under the impression that carpet beetles ate cotton and moths ate wool, although moths will eat through cotton to get to wool if necessary.
 
Some information from the UC Davis website:

"Damage is caused by the larval stage of dermestid beetles. Larvae feed in dark, undisturbed locations on a variety of dead animals and animal products, such as wool, silk, leather, fur, hair brushes with natural bristles, pet hair, and feathers; occasionally they feed on stored products such as certain spices and grains. They do not feed on synthetic fibers.

It is not always possible to tell from the damage whether it was caused by clothes moths or carpet beetles, but in general, the beetles are more likely to damage a large area on one portion of a garment or carpet while moth damage more often appears as scattered holes. Also, carpet beetle larvae leave brown, shell-like, bristly looking cast skins when they molt. These skins and the lack of webbing are usually good clues that the culprits are carpet beetles."
 
Thank you for the additional information! It sounds like it is probably moth damage, since they are small, scattered areas of damage.

Unfortunately, I didn't notice any of it until I took it outside to photograph it. :(

Laura
 
Laura, it is still an absolutely phenomenal coat and I think it will do well.

Sue
 
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