Pad Bugs
I come across the problem of pad
bugs on average once a week. When a customer brings an old musical
instrument into the repair shop for an evaluation, my suspicions are on high
alert. Instruments purchased in a pawn or antique store, or that flute that “mom
or even grandma used when they were young” are likely cases. Sometimes when an
instrument case is opened, it is very obvious. And then there are times the
problem is not easily detected. A typical visual inspection may lead me to
believe that the instrument is in great condition but only when the instrument
is fully disassembled, can I finally see the damage of pad bugs.
What instruments are susceptible?
All woodwind instruments, string instruments, and pianos are
easily affected. Pad bugs are most commonly found in clarinets, oboes, flutes,
and bowed string instruments.
What are pad bugs and why do they like clarinets and
flutes?
I have heard them called many names: hide beetles, fabric
pests, pantry beetles, but the carpet beetle is the official name. There are a
few types of carpet beetles. For musical instrument purposes, the varied carpet
beetle and the black carpet beetle are most prevalent. The adult carpet beetle
is a good traveler and flier. Sometimes it is mistaken for a ladybug because of
its ability to fly and its round shape. Their size can range from 1/8 to 1/10 inch
long. Colors vary from black to brown. As full-grown adults they are
mostly harmless but problems occur when eggs are laid (up to 100 at a time) and
larvae hatch. The most destruction occurs during their larval stage which can
last 150-630 days.
Larvae thrive in temperatures between 70-85 degrees F and
higher humidity levels of 60-80 percent. Perfect breeding grounds are dark,
humid, and undisturbed areas like under beds, attics and for a musician, stored
instrument cases.
The adult beetle will deposit eggs in areas of high organic
material such as felt, wool, carpet, animal skins, furs, feathers, animal
horns, hair, silk, dried plant products, glue and organic material with
perspiration or saliva residue. Although the adult beetle will leave eggs in
areas with a high food source for the larvae to thrive, larvae can and will
travel to survive.
There are many signs to look for when suspicious of bug
infestation in an instrument and/or case.
The first sign is the performance of the instrument.
-Does the instrument play with a stuffy or weak tone
quality?
-Does it seem like pads are not sealing?
-Are some notes stronger than others?
-Does the instrument not play at all?
Next is the visual inspection of the case and instrument
body.
Things to look for:
-Messy case: stray hair, cork grease stains on case liner,
and dirt or lint
-Age of case and accessories: crackling and yellowing paper,
old reeds, stale and moldy smell, tarnished, greying or green instrument keys,
and old sticky key oil
-Dandruff: tiny, white flakes the size of salt grains much
like talcum powder left on the instrument and case
It is questionable what this
actually is. It is said to be the fecal matter from larvae. But it also has been
said to be uneaten flakes of the bladder skin, leather, cardboard, and wool from which woodwind pads are constructed.
-Larvae casings: suspicious brown or cream dirt flakes or
lint
It is highly unusual one will find
live larvae, but they will leave plenty of dried skin casings that are shed as
they grow. The larvae can be mistaken for silverfish but their size will never
match the silverfish. At most they will never get any larger than 1/8 inch in
length. Casings will at first glance look like dirty lint but closer
inspection will reveal a shell of a tiny caterpillar-like bug.
-Holes or chunks in pads and felts: inspection of pads while
assembled may not reveal any damage
While assembled, pads and guard
felts may have chunks eaten on the sides. During disassembly, holes or chunks
in the middle of pads are easily detected.
In a string instrument case (i.e. violin, viola, cello), it
is a rarity the bugs will get to the wood but it’s not unheard of. Carpet
beetles are drawn to organic materials like glue and perspiration residue left
on musical instruments. So a violin well played but never cleaned and then stored
indefinitely is a great draw for carpet beetles. The bugs regularly get to bow
hair. If you open the case and the bow looks like it’s having a “bad hair day”
with stray loose hair around the case, it’s likely been attacked by bugs.
Carpet beetles like vintage cases especially if left
dormant. The leather binding, natural glues, wood structure, case lining
materials like silk or cotton, dark and musty insides, and perspiration and
saliva left behind on instruments make instrument cases perfect breeding
grounds for carpet beetles.
More reading material on carpet beetles:
Contamination
Once I confirm the presence of pad bugs, I recommend complete disassembly, cleaning and pad replacement for a woodwind instrument. With string instruments, I recommend the instrument be cleaned, the non-synthetic strings replaced, and the bow re-haired.
As for cases, chemical cleaning can be very dangerous for
one’s health because of left-over residue. It can also be very time consuming
with the need of numerous cleanings. And
on top of that, a very fragrant odor will remain from the chemicals used to eradicate carpet beetles.
Just vacuuming the case cannot guarantee eggs and larvae will be completely
eliminated. It is best to discard and replace the case.
Prevention
-Play the instrument regularly.
-Wipe down the instrument regularly.
Use a soft flannel cloth to prevent
perspiration and saliva accumulation.
-Keep the instrument in an area that is frequently
trafficked and regularly cleaned.
-Avoid storage in attics, storage rooms, under beds,
basements, ect.
-Vacuum case regularly.
-Use small cedar balls.
A few of these stored inside the
case and replaced every few months can keep the humidity in control. If the
instrument/case is going to be stored for long periods of time between playing,
this is highly recommended. Mothballs can be overly fragrant and will overtake
the case instrument. Even the mothballs labeled “cedar scented” should be
avoided. http://www.householdessential.com
Cedar Fresh® products
-Cedar lined drawers, cabinets, or closets are also
recommended in storing an instrument.
-Store in an airtight container. If a airtight container is not available, placing the case in a sealable plastic bag or wrapping in plastic wrap (i.e. Saran Wrap) is a viable option.
-Store in an airtight container. If a airtight container is not available, placing the case in a sealable plastic bag or wrapping in plastic wrap (i.e. Saran Wrap) is a viable option.