How To Keep Bugs Out Of Stored Clothes

The cool and pleasant season is just around the corner! While it’s time to rejoice and look forward to bright and chirpy days, you have to tuck away the warmer clothes in a safe place. Store them in the best manner possible and you will not find unpleasant surprises the next time you are ready to wear them. 

There are several different kinds of bugs that could eat away clothing articles. Although they rarely eat the entire cloth, they do bore tiny holes (sometimes quite conspicuous ones) in the fabric. 

The insects chew away the organic fibers, dyes, and stains from the fabric. They generally prefer dark and humid places with lots of food sources and your closet or storage could be a perfect breeding ground for them. Unless you try the following tips and tricks to get rid of the nuisance.

 Our experts have designed this easy-to-follow and simple guide on how to keep bugs out of stored clothes.

Clean The Clothes Before Storing

The number one mistake you can make is to store your clothes without cleaning them. Even if there are no visible stains on the clothes your bodily odors can attract bugs and be a food source of food. While the insects are munching away on these scents (which are chemicals and deal cells!), they also bite into the fibers and damage the clothes. 

Launder all pieces carefully. Make sure the clothes are completely dry before storing them. Moisture can be very attractive for bugs.

Contain The Clothes Carefully

Get a little more creative when you are finding storage solutions for clothes this year. Vacuum-sealed storage bags are the safest option out there. They keep the clothes safe from pest infestation as well as take very little storage space, it’s a win-win.

If you are going to use cardboard boxes for storage, make sure you are using new ones. Our experts recommend against using cardboard boxes for storing expensive clothing items.

For those who prefer using plastic storage tubs, get them with tight-fitting lids. Store clothes in cool, dry, and well-ventilated spaces. Moreover, transparent containers are the best option because you can see what’s going on inside!

Eliminate The Bugs From Closets, Drawers, And Storage Boxes

Choosing the right storage solution is one thing and preparing them is another. Make sure they are free from pests and bugs before you close them. Thoroughly clean the containers. If there was a previous infestation you must use natural or artificial insecticides to get rid of the nuisance.

 Remove all the dust and dirt from closets and drawers. There could be hidden mites, ticks, or bugs that could eat the stored clothes. Look for signs of mold and mildew and get it treated. If you use laundry bags for storing clothes, wash and dry them carefully.

Only put clothes when you are sure the eggs and larvae of bugs are entirely removed.

Use Natural Repellents For Bugs

One of the most popular natural repellents for bugs is cedarwood. Look for blocks, chips, or balls of cedarwood. Slip them into socks or stockings to avoid direct contact with garments and place it with stored clothes to minimize the chances of bug infestation. 

Dried herbs from your pantry may also be used as natural repellents. Some of the most effective ones include dried Lavender, Rosemary, Mint, Thyme, and Cloves. Place them into sachets and tuck them between folds of clothes. If you prefer essential oils, add some drops on cotton balls and place them in storage bags.

If Required Use Insecticides

At certain times, commercial-grade insecticides are required to eliminate the bugs. Mothballs are pretty common and very effective but they need to be handled very carefully. They can be skin irritants and need to be kept away from the reach of children.

Learn More About The Moths That Eat Clothes

Learn more about the life cycles and deterrents of the bugs that eat clothes in the closet. The more you know about them the easier it is to prevent your closets from them. The most common bugs are carpet beetles, clothes moths, silverfish, cricket, termites, and roaches. Eliminate the source of food and shelter for these bugs and you can be safe.

Is It Too Hard To Deal With? Give Us A Call Now!

We understand that some infestations are just too much to handle for an ordinary homeowner. All you have to do is to give us a call now and our Bug Removal Company will handle it from there.