Your closet feels like a sanctuary for your most beloved clothes and accessories. Yet this dingy and much-neglected nook can attract all the wrong guests. Unfortunately, these small intruders can do substantial damage to your property and pose health risks to your family.
Most homeowners find out about pest issues too late. By the time you notice holes in your sweaters or funky smells from your closet, the damage has been done. Critters adore the calm, dark space that closets offer. They munch on natural fibers, dine on food spills, and reproduce quickly in undisturbed areas.
The most alarming thing is the number of people who overlook early warning signs. It may be relatively small holes in cloth, strange smells, or small droppings that are little and are noticed only after the problem has already reached proportions that are bad.
Consulting a professional pest control company can allow you to catch the problems early and prevent expensive damage to your property. Visit this site so you can act fast to save your wardrobe and your sanity.
Pests You May Find In Your Closet
1. Silverfish
Silverfish are small, wingless insects characterised by their silvery-grey colour and the shape of a fish. They prefer moist places and eat starch, paper, and natural fibers. They would also eat and damage books, photographs, and clothing in closets. They breed easily and can survive for many years without food.
2. Cockroaches
Closets that are close to kitchens or bathrooms can attract cockroaches. They are drawn to places that are warm and dark, and can leave clothes covered in bacteria and allergens. These pests reproduce quickly and can cause asthma and allergic reactions in sensitive people.
3. Clothes Moths
Some of the most damaging closet pests are the clothes moths. These tiny, brown bugs deposit eggs on natural fibers, such as wool, silk, and cotton. The worms eat the material and leave behind various irregular holes in your favorite clothing. Adult moths are generally half an inch long and are attracted to dark, undisturbed spaces.
4. Carpet Beetles
Carpet beetles are small, oval-shaped pests that can cause significant damage to your wardrobe. They devour natural fibers, pet hair, and yes, even synthetics. These insects get into houses through open doors and windows. Their larvae are especially damaging, as they eat their way through textiles for months before growing up.
What Can You Do If You Spot Pests In Your Closet
1. Follow Prevention Strategies
Keep your seasonal clothes in an airtight container or vacuum bags. Cedar blocks and lavender sachets are also thought to deter some pests naturally. Keep humidity levels below 50 percent and use dehumidifiers if needed. Moreover, maintaining a habit of cleaning and inspection avoids potential small problems escalating into huge infestations.
2. Treatment by Professionals
There are some pest situations that you just have to call in the pros for. If done properly, fumigation treatments can be the silver bullet needed to rid your establishment of a persistent infestation. Specialists in pest control are able to identify the type of pest and offer the most effective way of dealing with it.
3. Take Immediate Action Steps
Take everything out of your closet this second. Examine all articles of clothing closely for evidence of damage or new pests. Wash any washable items in hot water that is hotter than 120°F to kill any eggs or larvae. For fabrics you do not want to risk in the laundry, opt for professional dry cleaning or freezing items for three days.
4. Deep Cleaning Process
Vacuum the interior of your closet, in the corners, along the baseboards, and on the shelves! Be particularly thorough in the many cracks and crevices that pests could be using for shelter. Scrub with a stiff brush, using warm, soapy water to clean all surfaces. Allow the closet to dry and then replace anything you have previously removed.