Worms eating my books! Help!?

Question

I pulled out some paper from under my bed and found an inch long, brown, plated back-like worm. It was dead but later on I found a bright orange one that looked like a mini caterpillar. It even had two black spots near it's head. I have a plastic case under my bed that has magazines from my childhood and books as well and I need to know, how do I get rid of these things? I'm moving soon and I don't want to end up with ruined books as several of them are irreplaceable. I know someone once said you could microwave the books, but the magazines have staples.

What should I do??

Answer 1

Put them in the freezer.....in a plastic bag of course.  A refrigerator freezer might not be cold enough.  If you have a friend with a chest type freezer, borrow some space for a few weeks.  Remember to show them the books are in a sealed bag.

You could also try sprinkling the books.....page by page???...yipes!....with diatomaceous earth.  Get the botanical grade, not the swimming pool grade.  The diatoms will kill the "worms" by piercing their exoskeleton.

You can also sprinkle the DE on your carpets, leave it for a few days and vacuum.  That will help, not totally cure, but help knock back the insect problem.  You may have to repeat a few times to catch subsequent hatches from eggs.

Answer 2

-put poison in all the books (or some in strategic locations)

-oven

-freezer

-smoke'm out

brain storming brought to you by coffee

Answer 3

Chances are what you have are cutworms. They all came from the eggs laid by a single moth, most likely, and there probably is no real infestation. Look to see if there are any more live worms or cocoons and remove them. Also look for any other food sources. They especially like cereal, flour, anything made with grain. If you happen to have a pet lizard or exotic bird, such as a Conure or Cockatiel, then you have treats for the pets! And they're free!