The Comprehensive Guide to Dealing with Bugs in Clothes

Switching out your wardrobe soon? Keep an eye out for household pests that may be destroying your clothes. Even though these pests are not usually disease or germ carriers, their presence can be a nuisance and difficult to eliminate. Its important to ensure your clothes and other fabrics are protected, as these pests can cause considerable damage before you even know they are present.

Generally, its the newly hatched larvae that damage everything, from sweaters, pants, jackets, and wool rugs to decorative needlework on your walls. Typically, insect damage occurs on fabrics containing natural or animal fibers such as wool, mohair, silk, cotton, leather, fur, feathers, down, and any synthetics blended with these natural fibers.

Clothes moths are a light tan color, have very narrow wings, and can grow up to 1/2 inch long. It is the larva (small white worm-looking) that actually eats wool garments, not the adult moths themselves. But if you see the adult clothes moths around you, you can assume they are laying eggs. Clothes moths pose no serious health concern to humans; however, an infestation can quickly ruin rarely used or stored clothing such as old military uniforms, blankets, feathered hats, tuxedos, overcoats, evening gowns, hats, antique dolls and toys, and wall hangings.

They thrive in dark, moist areas, such as closets and attics, where larvae have easy access to food sources like naturally occurring fibers such as wool and cotton. The damage from clothes moths appears as many small holes throughout the garment. Once you identify the presence of clothes moths, it is important to take action immediately. It is rare that infestations will be isolated to one particular location; moths like to travel around the home, searching for new places to lay eggs. Be sure to check carefully to find everything that has been infested. Clean, treat, or get rid of infested items. It may be better to throw out an infested item to protect uninfected woolens.

Washing items in a hot water wash cycle can be enough to kill all life cycles of the moth and ensure pests are removed at all life stages. Conversely, freezing temperatures can also kill any eggs or larvae in your wool garments. Depending on your environment, you can put the clothes outside on a cold day or use a freezer. Getting rid of clothes moths can be difficult so if signs of an infestation are severe enough, seek the help of a pest control professional, as additional treatments may be required to eliminate the infestation.

Carpet beetles commonly cause damage to fabrics such as wool, silk, leather, and fur; they do not feed on synthetic fibers. Just like the clothes moth, the carpet beetle larvae are the ones that damage your clothing. Carpet beetle larvae measure 1/8 to 1/4 inch long and appear to be densely covered with tiny hairs or bristles. The garment damage appears in one portion of a garment or concentrated area. They easily find food in obscure places and can be easily dispersed throughout the home, considering their unique ability to travel. Carpet beetles can be difficult to control and can cause extensive damage if left unchecked.

Getting rid of carpet beetles starts by ensuring you remove conditions conducive to infestations. Start by eliminating the buildup of lint, dead insects, and hair found inside the home. Wash drapes and other washable items in a hot water cycle, as they may contain eggs, larvae, and other adult beetles. Simply placing items that are stuffed with hair or feathers in a dryer may not be enough to treat items that are stuffed with hair or feathers. You may want to enlist the help of a pest control company. The application of targeted treatments can ensure proper removal throughout the home.

Silverfish are carrot-shaped insects with wingless, flattened bodies that are 1/2 to 3/4 inch long and silver in color. They feed on insulation, carbohydrates, starches, and proteins and both adults and nymphs damage fabrics. They are attracted to and commonly found in natural fabrics such as linen, rayon, and cotton. They require very high humidity or access to water, moderate temperatures, and dark places. Infestations are common around leaking pipes and closet areas.

They thrive on the tiniest scraps of food, and once they establish a food source, they will remain and breed in the area. They tend to be most active at night and feed on natural starches and glues, leaving visible damage on finer fabrics such as silk, cotton, linen, and rayon. Silverfish eat at the surface, leaving a shaved look, but they usually do not leave actual holes in the fabric. Although they prefer starchy food, silverfish are quite able to digest cellulose and will devour your books as eagerly as the food stains on your garments! Your local Truly Nolen pest control company can help you protect your home from outside silverfish intruders.

The most common types of crickets are the field cricket and the house cricket. Crickets are about three-quarters of an inch in length and black or brown in color. Although crickets rarely cause any problems and pose no serious health risks, many people find their chirping annoying. Only house crickets can reproduce inside the home. Cricket infestations are rarely problematic since crickets thrive outside. If crickets are a common disturbance in your home, following up with a pest control expert will help you cricketproof the interior of your home.

Tips for keeping your clothes pest-free!

• Store only clean garments. Thoroughly clean clothes prior to storage by emptying pockets and washing them to remove food stains, perfumes, and perspiration, as these can be a reliable food source for a wardrobe-destroying infestation. Have garments dry cleaned (without starch) or place them in the dryer on high heat for 15 minutes to eliminate any insect eggs or mildew spores.
• Regularly clean and vacuum. Clean rugs and carpets, draperies, upholstered furniture, closets, and anywhere else larvae can hide. When you are finished, immediately dispose of the vacuum bag.
• To avoid future infestations, store clothes in containers located in a cool, dry place. Use garment storage bags made of cotton and or vinyl. Make sure to utilize breathable bags for leather or fur garments. Preventative products such as moth balls and cedar products can provide additional protection. If the insects cannot lay eggs, they will not eat your clothes.
• Be careful what you buy second-hand. Always launder or dry-clean woolens that are bought from thrift stores or given to you as hand-me-downs. You could have unexpected guests along with that sweater!

How to Stop Clothes Eating Bugs Organically (Instant Proven Methods)

FAQ

Why am I finding bugs in my clothes?

Clothes Moths: If you have wool, silk, or other natural fibers in your drawers, clothes moths may be the issue. Their larvae can look like small worms and feed on these materials. Moisture: High humidity can attract various insects and create an environment conducive to mold, which may attract pests.

How do you get rid of bugs in your clothes?

Wash and Dry Clothes: Launder all infested clothing in hot water and then dry them on high heat. The high temperatures will kill the larvae and adult insects.

What kind of bug lives in fabric?

Adult clothes moths are small, buff-colored insects about ¼ to ½ inch in length. Adults have four wings, are weak flyers, and, since they avoid lighted areas, are seldom seen. They prefer to rest in dark, undisturbed areas such as closets, attics, or basements, and will also live in the folds or seams of fabrics.

How do you know if your clothes have bugs?

1. Small blood stains.
2. Fecal spots.
3. A musty odor.

How can clothes bugs infest your home?

Clothes bugs can infest your home from infested fabric and carpet that you bring into the home or from secondhand furniture and clothing. Additionally, they can come from open windows or doors and small cracks or crevices that provide an entryway.

Can you get ringworm from wearing the same clothes continuously?

Ringworm infection is caused by fungal infection. It is usually contagious. Hence can spread from other living things. The fungus if present on clothes can survive from several months-years. Hence it is advised to wash clothes regularly(daily) and avoid sharing clothes to prevent acquiring the fungal infection

What are the different types of bugs in your clothes?

When you come across bugs in your clothes, it’s essential to accurately identify them to determine the best course of action. Bugs can come in from outside and end up in your clothes without you even knowing it. In this section, we’ll discuss three main categories of bugs: Fabric Pests, Pantry Pests, and Occasional Invaders.

What bugs eat clothes?

There are many bugs that eat clothing and fabrics in closets, dressers, cabinets, and wardrobes. The most common pests in the American household are moths and carpet beetles. If you notice small holes in your t-shirts, stains, tears, or other damage, chances are that it was from one of these bugs. What is causing holes in my clothes?

How do you identify bugs on clothes?

Some bugs on clothes such as silverfish are nocturnal. This means they seek out dark places to hide in. They can easily transition to spaces between your clothes as they offer a dark warm place to hide in. Often switching the position of your clothes in the closet is one of the methods that allow you to quickly identify bugs on clothes.

What should I do if I find new bugs in my clothing storage?

Always address any new bug problems right away. To prevent pests from eating your clothing, keep your clothing clean and dry. Keep the area where the clothing is stored clean and dry as well. Consider placing natural bug repellants in your clothing storage areas, such as sachets of lavender, rosemary, and cedar.