Cotton shirts, woolen sweaters, pants, jackets, you name it, they destroy it. The most annoying thing about them is that by the time you notice them, the damage has already been done. Despite the fact that these bugs do not carry germs or diseases, their presence in your closets or drawers is an annoyance.
How to Get Rid of Bugs that eat Clothes
Thankfully, there are methods for taming these ravenous beasts. Let’s take a look at some ways how to get rid of bugs that eat clothes
1. Moths in clothes
Clothes moths have very narrow wings that are light tan in color and can reach a length of 0.5 inch. They may appear to be eating your clothes, but the larva is the one who does so. They resemble small white worms and prefer dark, moist environments such as closets, where they are not disturbed and have easy access to your clothing. Adult moths, on the other hand, lay eggs, so it’s best if you don’t ignore their presence.
Clothes moth damage appears as small holes throughout your clothing. So, let’s take a look at some ways to get rid of these moths.
1. Keep an eye on your windows. Although it is a good idea to open your windows, they may also serve as an entry point for these moths. It is necessary to open windows, especially during the day. As a result, consider installing pest screens to reduce, if not completely eliminate, moth entry into your home.
2. Organize your closets and wardrobes. Organizing your closet or cabinet makes it easier to spot any larvae in your clothing. If you have any old clothes lying around, consider storing them in dry places such as boxes or plastic bags. Before putting the clothes away, make sure there are no larvae on them. You will not only leave no place for the moths to lay eggs, but you will also disturb them, which they dislike.
3. To get rid of the larvae, wash, dry, and shake your clothes on a regular basis. Because the larvae are attracted to the smell of your clothes, washing them in hot water kills them and eliminates the smell. By drying them, you can store them in a dry environment.
4. If you already have a moth infestation, place the moths in sealed plastic bags and freeze them at -18°C or below. The larvae of the moth cannot survive in these conditions.
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2. Silverfish
These are carrot-shaped insects with flat bodies, no wings, a silver color, and a length of half an inch to three quarters of an inch. Silverfish, unlike clothes moths, eat both nymphs and adults. They primarily harm clothing made of linen, cotton, and rayon.
They prefer dark, humid environments with moderate temperatures. They usually eat the top layer of the skin, leaving a shave but no holes. They reproduce quickly. A single female has the ability to lay up to 20 eggs at once. As a result, a single male and female silverfish can cause a serious infestation in your closet or wardrobe. Let’s take a look at how to get rid of them.
1. De-clutter your closets and wardrobe. Silverfish, like other bugs, despise being disturbed. Organizing and getting rid of old clothes is a great way to spot their eggs and make it impossible for them to hide.
2. Diatomaceous earth is a good option. If you already have an infestation, this non-toxic powder can help you get rid of the bugs. Simply scatter it in areas where you’ve seen them.
3. Set traps for yourself. To catch and get rid of these silverfish, you can use a variety of natural traps. Place a piece of bread in a glass jar and tape it to your closet or wardrobe. The insects will be drawn to the bait, and the slippery nature of the jar will prevent them from crawling out.
4. Use scented detergents to wash your clothes on a regular basis. Silverfish are repulsed by lavender scents. As a result, washing your clothes with scented detergents on a regular basis is an effective way to get rid of them.
5. Closets and wardrobes should be dehumidified. Finding ways to reduce the humidity in your closets and wardrobes can be a great way to get rid of these insects, as they prefer moist areas. To absorb moisture, either leave an open box of chalk inside or use a whole-house humidifier.
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3. Cockroaches
Cockroaches are well-known for their appearance. Cockroaches, unlike most other bugs that eat clothes, carry germs with them because they pass through everything. To name a few, there are bathrooms, garbage cans, and kitchen sinks.
These insects are unusual in that they do not eat clothing. Food and drink spills, as well as fluid stains on your clothes, attract them. As they consume the food sources, they create holes in your clothing. Let’s see what we can do to get rid of them.
1. Remove any soiled clothing from your closet or cabinet as the first step toward having a cockroach-free closet or wardrobe. Because cockroaches are attracted to stains and spills on your clothes, removing them will leave them with nothing to eat.
2. Clean and dry your clothes on a regular basis. This will help them get rid of their eggs while also depriving them of food.
3. Cockroaches prefer dark, undisturbed environments. You will have destroyed their cozy hideaway by regularly decluttering your closet or wardrobe.
4. Look for any cracks or spaces around your closet or wardrobe and seal them. Cockroaches consider those areas ideal for laying their eggs.
4. Crickets
Crickets, like cockroaches, do not eat clothing directly. Food stains and drink spills, on the other hand, are very appealing to them. As a result of feeding on them, they end up causing damage to your clothing. You can get rid of them by doing the following:
1. From the outside, they are obstructing their entry points. It could be the gaps between your closet doors or even between your windows. Install insect screens on your windows and close any gaps between closet doors.
2. Remove any soiled clothing from your closet and clean it.
3. Organize your clothes on a regular basis. They despise being disturbed, so organizing your closet will drive them away.
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Finally,
Any of these bugs that have gathered in your closet or wardrobe can cause a great deal of distress to your favorite garments. You’ll be bidding them farewell with these tricks up your sleeve.