Pianotech

  • 1.  Microscopic pest infestation

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 3 days ago
    A customer sent the following message:

    You previously tuned an upright I had just moved into my apartment. I'm writing to ask for a bit of advice - we noticed little white moving pests (that look like dust) on the keys. Are there any home remedies you'd recommend to deal with them? I've never experienced anything like this with my previous piano, and I'm worried about any damage to the keys or felt, etc. Any advice you would be able to give would be appreciated!  

    I asked her to send a photo, and she did, but the white dust mites (if that's what they are) are barely distinguishable from the rest of the key, so not really informative. Any ideas on what to advise her? I'm heavily booked out and don't really want the job, but I'd like to offer information. I can't imagine these critters would damage the piano, but I'm sure she would like to be rid of them.

    Paul Larudee, RPT 
    El Cerrito,  CA 


  • 2.  RE: Microscopic pest infestation

    Member
    Posted 2 days ago

    I suggest you contact a qualified and reputable pest control company to come and identify what they are. Posting a picture here may help and there are several good sites on the web you can compare the pictures to. I would not work on the piano until pests are identified and treated . i had a case here where some boring pests had drilled through several keys and left sawdust piles on the keybed. The owner had it treated in Florida and moved here. While I was working on the piano these little worm like grubs where coming to the surface. I advised him to dispose of the piano in a fire pit or bon-fire 



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    James Kelly
    Owner- Fur Elise Piano Service
    Pawleys Island SC
    (843) 325-4357
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    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Microscopic pest infestation

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 2 days ago

    Paul,

    This is my bailiwick (MS in biology, pest control experience, 51 years as a piano tech).

    Send them to me.



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    Blaine Hebert RPT
    Duarte CA
    (626) 390-0512
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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Microscopic pest infestation

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 2 days ago
    Thanks, Blaine. You are undoubtedly the right person, but you are more than 6 hours drive away! I have a photo, but it's just a couple of tiny dots barely visible on a white key. Not worth posting.




    Original Message