scope:

Purpose and Scope

Biological test methods are given for evaluating the resistance of textiles that contain wool or other susceptible fibers to webbing clothes moths and to carpet beetles. The test methods described here are not concerned with the various procedures for treating textiles [e.g., dyebaths vs. padding application of mothproofers] or with their subsequent handling, ageing, washing, etc. but only with the biological methods to be used to measure the resistance of the [treated or untreated] textiles to insect attack (see 15.1).

Two methods are provided for determining the extent of damage to test specimens. The Excrement Weight Method is used only for tests with carpet beetles. The Fabric Weight Loss Method is used for tests with webbing clothes moths and also may be used for tests with carpet beetles when preferred and when comparative tests with both insects are made (see Appendix D).