Bow Bugs

Have you ever opened a bow or instrument case that’s been left alone for a few months only for your bows to look like this?  The bad news is: you have bow bugs. The good news is: they make delightful pets!

Just kidding, see below for more FAQs

Adult and larva of a dermestid beetle. Image credit: Clemson University USDA Cooperative Extension Slide Series, Bugwood.org

FAQs    

Q: “What is a bow bug?”

A: Bow bugs are are Dermestidae otherwise known as skin beetles or carpet beetles. There are over 1,800 species known, and they are endemic nearly worldwide.  As adults, they range in size from 1-12mm, but as larvae, which are the main issue for bow hair, are much smaller. Dermestidae eat dry plant and animal material, so bow hair is a particular treat for them! They have also been known to feast on whalebone wrappings and tortoiseshell frogs.

Q: “How did I get bow bugs?”

A: Bow bugs are everywhere, and they thrive in dark, undisturbed and unventilated locations, so they tend to be more of a problem in areas that don’t see the light of day for some time.

What You Can Do:

1.) Don’t Panic! Bow bugs are a very common problem, and they can be taken care of.

2.) Vacuum out your case as soon as possible, and if the weather is nice, place the infested case out in the sunshine. The best scenario to eradicate bow bugs is a combination of cold, dry, and sunny weather.

3.) Cedar, Clove, and Peppermint oil/ bags are natural bow bug deterrent, and also make your case smell quite nice!  Just make sure not to get the oil in contact with the actual bow or the varnish on your instrument. As an additional caveat, be careful if using essential oils around pets , as many essential oils are toxic to them (particularly to cats). Please check with your vet on this topic!

4.) Rehair your bow.

5.) If your bows are in storage, make sure to check in on them periodically. Bow bugs thrive in undisturbed areas, so the more you disturb them, the less likely you are to have an infestation!