Some of the greatest dangers to your piano are largely undetected. I’m talking about mice and moths. Over a period of months and years, they can destroy your piano from the inside out. Normally, pianos that are played often are less likely to harbor these pests, but don’t count on it!
Piano damage from mice
Pianos have many points of entry for mice. Once they get inside, they build their nests in darkness and (usually) silence. Piano actions contain lots of wool felt – an ideal material for nesting. Although upright pianos are more easily inhabited due to openings in the back frame, I see an occasional infestation in a grand piano.
If you think the prospect of finding a mouse nest is bad, the issue of mouse urine and droppings is far worse. The potential for corrosion of metal action parts and saturation of wood and felt is exceeded only by the awful smell. What can be done if you, or your technician suspects or discovers past or present mouse activity?
Schedule a thorough piano inspection
Many pianos can be effectively decontaminated in the home. As the possibility of contracting a serious virus exists, this is a job best left to your technician. In severe cases, an in-shop decontamination is required.
Piano damage from moths
While moths don’t constitute a threat to your health, they can cause extensive damage to the wool felt in your piano – everything from the hammers to the felts under the keys. If moths are a problem in your piano, you may find the touch and tone deteriorating over time, as holes form in the action parts. What can be done?
Once again, a thorough inspection is recommended. Your technician may suggest the replacement of key action components that are damaged, as well as treatment with a moth repellent product.