ABSTRACT
The normal life cycle of insects passes through three stages: egg, larva and adult. It is often the larva that damages items, but cannot always be detected until the adult stage is reached. Signs of attack vary from insect to insect. Active woodworm, for example, produces little piles of sawdust, while insect attack on natural history specimens will produce disturbance of bird feathers or fallen hair in mammals. Termites are a particular menace in many countries. Professional advice needs to be taken and a regular control programme established.
