Why do silverfish eat clothes

Unfortunately, finding silverfish in clothes is a result of their typical feeding habits. Because their mouthparts are only capable of taking small bites and scraping edible material from various surfaces, silverfish create holes in clothes and yellowish stains that typically make up the majority of the damage left behind.

Because it typically takes a serious, uncontrolled silverfish infestation to cause noticeable damage, the presence of small holes or stains on clothes may indicate a problem requiring the services of a pest control professional. Why Silverfish Eat Clothes: These pests are attracted to wardrobes for the following reasons: Silverfish eat clothes not for the actual material, but for the nourishing substances often found in or on the fabric.

The nocturnal insects feed on starched clothing to extract the starchy carbohydrates contained within. Latest Post. Related Posts. Comment: Please enter your comment!

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You have entered an incorrect email address! How Long Do Moths Live? Moths Pest Republic - May 3, Daddy Long legs March 8, Moths June 26, Do Moths Eat Cotton? Moths July 15, Are Daddy Long Legs Poisonous? We want to be the only online resource that is genuinely dedicated to the education of our readers. Our aim is to inform you about all aspects of household pest control. Most Read. Moths May 3, There is no protein in nylon, which makes it indigestible to silverfish.

Avoid cardboard, paper, and plastic storage. Silverfish love snacking on paper and cardboard, especially those with glueing, and plastic encourages mold-inducing moisture buildup. Washing and drying your clothing at high temperatures will help kill silverfish and silverfish eggs in your clothes. Avoid washing delicate fibers like silk, woolens, and delicate synthetics with hot water and always air dry. Cedar and lavender emit a smell that is noxious to silverfish, and will prevent them from eating your clothes.

These aromas act as a natural moth and bug repellent. Silverfish can't withstand freezing temperatures. To get rid of silverfish in your wardrobe, and closet isolate the affected garments immediately, then freeze them for 72 hours in plastic storage bags or containers. After, wash with the appropriate fabric specific detergent to get rid of silverfish residue.

Moths are a group of flying insects related to the butterfly and moth larvae that have a big appetite for garments. Moth larvae have a specific diet and typically nosh on clothes made from animal fibers such as silk, wool, cashmere, angora or fur, and materials that contain keratin.

Keratin is composed of fibrous structural proteins and can also be found in our skin and hair. Regularly wash everything in your wardrobe and clean coats and jackets at the beginning and end of each season to keep perfumes, body oils, and food stains from becoming a yummy food source.

Save on your dry cleaning bill by cleaning woolens and silk with our plant-derived dry cleaning alternatives. Reorganize and clean once or twice a year to keep everything fresh and monitor for damage. Take all of your garments out of the wardrobe or drawers, then wash them as you vacuum your storage space.

Get the lowdown on how to tidy up your closet in 15 minutes the Laundress way. Also avoid cedar wood blocks and chips, which can transfer oil to your favorite fabrics and create stubborn stains. Pack it up: Never store clothes in plastic or cardboard.