Don’t let tiny pests turn your wardrobe into a buffet! Learn how to naturally deter silverfish and moths from feasting on your favorite fabrics, from silk to wool. For comprehensive garment care solutions, explore InktasticMerch.
Discovering mysterious holes or tatters in your cherished garments can be disheartening. Often, the culprits are tiny invaders like moths or silverfish, which have a particular fondness for protein-rich fabrics such as silk and wool. While the thought of pests in your closet might cause alarm, a few simple strategies can help you effectively manage and prevent these fabric-eating insects.
Silverfish and moths are notorious for damaging a variety of textiles, including linen, silk, rayon, cotton, cashmere, wool, and even items stored away for different seasons. Though small, their impact on your wardrobe can be significant.
While some damage can be mended, severe cases might render clothing and household textiles unusable. Fortunately, preventing such damage is achievable through proper storage and treatment. Naturally repelling scents like lavender and cedar can be your allies. Consider using lavender sachets, cedarwood, or scented fabric sprays. If you suspect a full-blown infestation, seeking professional pest control is a wise step to prevent further spread.
Your Essential Storage Toolkit:
- Wool & Cashmere Shampoo
- Surface Cleaner
- White Vinegar
- Classic Fabric Spray or Wool & Cashmere Spray
- Lavender pouches
- Cotton cleaning cloths
- Zippered canvas storage bags
Creature Feature: Silverfish
What are they?
Silverfish are small, wingless insects, typically light grey or blue, measuring up to half an inch in length. They flourish in environments with high humidity, preferring cool, dark, and damp spots like closets, attics, and bathrooms. These insects are drawn to the warmth and comfort of textiles, making your clothes a potential nesting ground.
What do silverfish eat?
Silverfish have a diet that includes starches, sugars, and proteins. Fabrics like linen, cotton, viscose, rayon, and silk are particularly appealing to them. To deter them, it’s crucial to store only clean garments, as perspiration and body oils contain proteins that attract these pests. Always wash clothes before putting them away.
What’s the damage?
Silverfish tend to feed on the surface of fabrics, creating a “shaved” appearance. You might notice irregular holes and small, yellowish stains, which are tell-tale signs of their activity.
How to protect clothes from silverfish?
Proper storage is paramount in preventing silverfish damage. Begin by ensuring all garments are clean before storage. Specialized detergents, like Wool & Cashmere Shampoo for delicate woolens, can be beneficial. Remember, these insects are attracted to sweat, perfumes, and body oils, so storing unworn clothes is essentially inviting them to a feast.
After cleaning, ensure your storage areas are impeccably clean and dry. Regularly cleaning closets and storage spaces with a solution of white vinegar can help. For long-term storage, consider using nylon netting for storage boxes; silverfish cannot digest nylon, offering a protective barrier. It’s best to avoid cardboard and paper, as silverfish are drawn to the glue and materials, and plastic containers can trap moisture, leading to mold.
Does washing clothes kill silverfish eggs?
Washing and drying clothes at high temperatures can effectively eliminate silverfish and their eggs. However, exercise caution with delicate fibers like silk and wool, which may require cooler water settings and air drying.
A Note on Scents:
Certain scents are naturally unappealing to silverfish. Cedar and lavender act as effective deterrents. Incorporate lavender sachets or cedar blocks into your storage. You can also use fabric sprays with lavender or cedar scents. Sprays like Classic Fabric Spray, with notes of lavender and cedar, or the cedar-scented Wool & Cashmere Spray can help maintain a fresh, pest-free environment.
The Silverfish Removal Process:
Silverfish are susceptible to cold temperatures. To remove them from your wardrobe, isolate affected garments and freeze them in airtight plastic bags or containers for at least 72 hours. Afterward, wash the items with the appropriate fabric detergent to remove any residue. For persistent infestations in storage areas, consulting a pest control professional is recommended.
Creature Feature: Moths
What are they?
Moths are flying insects, closely related to butterflies. It’s their larval stage that is responsible for damaging clothing, as they possess a voracious appetite for certain fabrics.
What do they eat?
Moth larvae primarily feed on animal-based fibers containing keratin, such as wool, silk, cashmere, angora, and fur. Keratin is a protein found naturally in these materials, as well as in human hair and skin.
How to keep moths away?
Regularly cleaning your wardrobe is key. Wash all garments, and clean coats and jackets at the beginning and end of each season. This removes potential attractants like perfumes, body oils, and food stains. You can easily clean woolens at home using a gentle product like Wool & Cashmere Shampoo, saving on dry cleaning costs.
A thorough clean-out and reorganization once or twice a year will help keep your storage spaces fresh and allow you to inspect for any signs of damage. Remove all garments, wash them, and vacuum your storage areas. Wipe down shelves and surfaces with a cloth dampened with white vinegar. A touch of essential oil or a spritz of a refreshing Fabric Spray can leave your space smelling pleasant.
A Note on Mothballs and Cedar:
Traditional mothballs can leave a lingering, unpleasant odor. It’s also advisable to avoid placing cedar blocks or chips directly in contact with clothing, as they can transfer oils and cause stains. Instead, strategically position cedar blocks within your storage space and place lavender sachets in drawers and on shelves. Moths are repelled by the scents of lavender and cedar. Keep storage areas clean by regularly using a Surface Cleaner and wiping down surfaces.
Pack it up:
Avoid storing clothes in plastic or cardboard. Cardboard is a food source for many pests, and plastic can trap humidity, leading to mold and fabric damage. Opt for breathable cotton or canvas storage bags with zippers. These materials allow for air circulation while providing protection. Always store items clean to maximize protection. Steer clear of storing items in damp or humid locations like attics or basements, as these are ideal breeding grounds for moths.
How to identify moth holes in clothes:
Recognizing moth or silverfish damage is crucial for timely intervention. Look for small, irregular holes with frayed edges, particularly in natural fibers like silk, wool, and cashmere. Silverfish damage may also present as yellowish stains. In fur items, excessive shedding can indicate pest activity. Wool rugs might show damage in less-frequented areas. Regular inspection, proper cleaning, and correct storage are your first lines of defense.
Already got moths? Quarantine the scene.
If you discover moth holes, wash the affected garments and then store them in airtight, disposable bags in the freezer for 72 hours. While they’re freezing, thoroughly clean all exposed areas like closets and drawers. After washing, consider a deep clean of your washing machine itself. If possible, avoid using commercial laundromats or dry cleaners during this period to prevent spreading the infestation.
Post-damage, seek repairs.
Consult a local tailor or dry cleaner to mend any damaged garments. It’s also important not to leave damaged clothing in your closet, as neglected items can become breeding grounds for pests. Use this opportunity to mend small holes, replace missing buttons, or alter clothing that no longer fits. Keeping any extra yarns that come with knitwear can be helpful for future repairs.
For more expert advice on maintaining your garments and keeping them looking their best, be sure to explore the rest of our Blog.
