Animal fabrics, threads or fibres

Animal textiles, yarns or fibres

1. Identification and origin

The materials of animal origin used in indoor environments include keratinous fibres (wool, hair, feathers), silk and other protein derivatives. These materials are used in clothing, home textiles, upholstery, carpets, blankets, accessories and collection items. Their organic composition and high hygroscopic capacity make them susceptible to attack by keratinophagous insects and to the development of fungi under inadequate storage conditions.

2. Importance and vulnerability

Animal textiles and fibres are valued for their durability, thermal insulation, comfort and aesthetic value. However, they present significant vulnerability to specific pests (e.g.: textile moths, carpet beetles) and to fungi in humid environments. Damage may result in economic losses, irreversible deterioration of valuable pieces and cross-contamination between storage compartments.

3. Characterisation of the materials

The materials of animal origin are made up mainly of structural proteins (keratin, fibroin), which serve as a food substrate for various insects.
Relevant characteristics:

• high moisture absorption capacity
• sensitivity to thermal variations
• accelerated degradation by UV light
• release of odours that may attract insects
• tendency to accumulate dust and organic matter

4. Conservation requirements

The proper conservation of these materials requires:

• controlled relative humidity (ideally 45–55%)
• stable temperature (15–20 °C)
• good ventilation and absence of condensation
• protection against direct light
• clean, dry storage isolated from sources of infestation
• use of suitable boxes, bags or containers (preferably airtight or with a physical barrier)

5. Main pests

• Clothes moth (Tineola bisselliella, Tinea pellionella) — perforations, galleries and destruction of keratinous fibres
• Carpet beetle (Anthrenus spp., Attagenus spp.) — larvae feed on wool, feathers and hair
• Storage mites (Acarus siro, Tyrophagus putrescentiae) — surface degradation and contamination
• Silverfish (Lepisma saccharinum) — damage to textile blends and adhesives
• Cockroaches (Blattella germanica, Periplaneta americana) — contamination and indirect damage from faeces and secretions

6. Main diseases and deteriorations

• Storage fungi (Aspergillus spp., Penicillium spp.) — stains, musty odour and weakening of the fibres
• Oxidative deterioration by UV light — discolouration and loss of strength
• Chemical degradation by pollutants (NOx, ozone) — weakening and yellowing
• Mechanical damage from inadequate handling — tears, deformations and abrasion

7. General management and preventive measures

The management of these materials should integrate:

• regular cleaning of cabinets, shelves and boxes, removing dust and organic matter
• periodic inspection for early detection of pests (eggs, larvae, droppings, cocoons)
• storage in closed containers, preferably with a physical barrier
• use of cotton bags or airtight boxes for sensitive pieces
• washing or dry cleaning before storing pieces for long periods
• environmental control (humidity, temperature, ventilation)
• isolation and treatment of infested pieces
• monitoring with specific traps for moths and beetles
• avoiding excessive accumulation of pieces and ensuring air circulation
• maintenance of good hygiene practices in the surrounding space

Bibliographic references

• EPPO Global Database – Tineola bisselliella, Anthrenus spp.
• CABI – Tineola bisselliella, Attagenus spp., Anthrenus spp.
• Pinniger, D. (2015). Pest Management in Museums, Archives and Historic Houses. Archetype Publications.
• Querner, P. (2015). Insect pests in museums. Conservation Science in Cultural Heritage, 15, 161–178.
• Florian, M.-L. (2002). Fungal Facts: Solving Fungal Problems in Heritage Collections. Archetype.