Identify the insect destroying your clothes and learn how to control the problem withinsecticidesororganic methods.
It is not the adult insect but the larvae that feed on fabric.
They begin feeding as soon as the egg hatches.
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The larvae carry a flattened case about a 1/4- to 1/2-inch long.
It is this creature that cuts holes in your clothing and other fabrics.
It feeds on fur, flannel, wool, soiled fabrics, and hair.
Matt Bertone, North Carolina State University
The adult moths are very small and are rarely seen.
Cockroach
The cockroach is a serious pest: Its droppings can carry diseaseand stain clothes.
Also, thecockroachwill damage clothes and any fabric in the home.
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Cockroaches are attracted to perspiration and body fluid stains, food and drink spills, and laundry starch.
However, they find body soil, food and beverage stains, and laundry starch very attractive.
This is often not discovered untilafter the garment is washedor worn and a sudden hole appears.
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Also, cricket excrement can stain clean clothes.
If you discover an infestation, you should rewash your clothes before wearing.
Firebrat
Firebrats, relatives of the silverfish, are usually 1/4- to 1/2-inch long.
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The firebrat has a mottled silver and brown coat.
They are wingless insects with carrot-shaped bodies and five legs.
They are active at night and prefer warm spaces such as attics that are more than 90F in temperature.
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Once firebrats find a food source, they tend to stay close by.
These insects particularly likecotton,linen,rayon, and any starched item.
Food and beverages stains that are sugar-based are particularly attractive to the firebrat.
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You will recognize the damage as irregular, usually following the outlines of the stain.
Their carrot-shaped body is completely silver in color.Silverfishare found in dark, room temperature areas around 70F.
These pests feed at night and stay close to food sources.
jeridu / Getty Images
As the silverfish eats, it cuts irregular holes in the fiber.
Termite
Few people consider clothing damage when thinking of termites.
As they eat the food, they often cut into the fabric, causing holes.
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A weak flier, it seldom leaves dark areas.
The female moth lays up to 100 soft, white eggs that adhere to the fabric and hatch quickly.
The larvae feed for five weeks up to two years depending on humidity, temperature, and food availability.
Then, they spin a case and emerge as full-grown moths in about 2 1/2 weeks.
The cycle begins again, and multiple generations can be produced within a year.
Causes of Insects That Eat Clothing
The causes of insects that eat clothing depend on the insect.
For example, some moths feed on the protein in natural fibers like wool and silk.
Even if you regularly launder these fabrics, moths will still be attracted to them.
Other insects are attracted to sweat, dead skin cells, and other organic residue that comes from people.
Don’t let dirty dishes sit, and clean up pet food instead of leaving it out overnight.
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.
Always address any new bug problems right away.
If you see small holes in your clothing, it is likely that a bug is eating your clothes.
Take measures right away to treat the clothing and clean the area where your clothing is stored.
Carpet beetles have been known to attack soiled cotton clothing.
Keep your cotton clothing items clean and dry to prevent carpet beetle infestation.
“Clothes Moths and Carpet Beetles: Identifying and Controlling Fabric Pests.
“NC State Extension Publications.
“World Health Organization.
