Which materials are commonly damaged by clothes moths and carpet beetles?

Which materials are commonly damaged by clothes moths and carpet beetles?

• A. Wool, leather, cotton
• B. Silk, fur, synthetic
• C. Wool, fur, silk
• D. Cotton, linen, polyester

Answer: (C)

Clothes moths and carpet beetles are known for targeting natural fibers that are rich in keratin, which is a protein found in animal fibers. Wool and fur are particularly susceptible because they are natural materials that provide the larvae with the nutrients they need to grow. Silk is also a target for these pests due to its protein content, which makes it appealing to the larvae. This understanding of the feeding habits of clothes moths and carpet beetles clarifies why the combination of wool, fur, and silk is the most relevant choice. Each of these materials serves as a food source for the larvae, making them prime candidates for damage. Other options either include materials that are not as commonly consumed by these pests or that are entirely synthetic, which generally do not provide the same nutritional value. For example, cotton and polyester are less prone to damage from these pests, as they are not protein-based and do not appeal to the larvae in the same way.

Clothes moths and carpet beetles are known for targeting natural fibers that are rich in keratin, which is a protein found in animal fibers. Wool and fur are particularly susceptible because they are natural materials that provide the larvae with the nutrients they need to grow. Silk is also a target for these pests due to its protein content, which makes it appealing to the larvae.

This understanding of the feeding habits of clothes moths and carpet beetles clarifies why the combination of wool, fur, and silk is the most relevant choice. Each of these materials serves as a food source for the larvae, making them prime candidates for damage.

Other options either include materials that are not as commonly consumed by these pests or that are entirely synthetic, which generally do not provide the same nutritional value. For example, cotton and polyester are less prone to damage from these pests, as they are not protein-based and do not appeal to the larvae in the same way.