Operation Clothes Moth: Where Preventive Conservation and Public Engagement Meet

Clothesmoths catch data fromhistoric properties confirms numbers are on the increase in England. Citizen science research was conducted using Tineola bisselliella pheromone traps handed out from English Heritage properties from April to September 2017. One hundred and ninety-two participants recorded moth counts from residential properties in 42 counties in England. Using an average number of moths per trap, geographical spread indicates higher numbers in warmer southern counties of England. Pale-backed clothes moths Monopis crocicapitella were caught in significant numbers suggesting a new insect pest risk for historic house collections. Threshold numbers for clothes moths that could indicate an active infestation are proposed. Residential flats appear to be more vulnerable to clothes moth activity possibly related to the shared walls or spaces. The research was launched using a public relations campaign called ‘Operation Clothes Moth’ which generated major media activity across the internet, radio, television, newspapers and magazines. Public awareness of insect pest management, preventive conservation and the work of conservators and conservation scientists was significantly increased.