It's infuriating when you carefully handwash and flat-dry your favorite top, only to pull it from the closet to discover that a new hole has appeared. If there's no obvious explanation – careless machine washing or wire hanger damage – it's likely that insects have caused holes in your clothes. Before you start searching for information on , it's worth knowing that moths aren't the only culprits.
Other insects, such as harmless-looking silverfish and everyone's least favorite, the cockroach, can also cause holes in clothes. To protect your clothes, determine whether there are moth holes in your clothing or if the damage is caused by something else. This is important because different types of insects require different treatment methods.
We looked at the most likely candidates and spoke to pest experts to find out how to ensure your closet is insect-free and your clothes as unappetizing as possible. Insects, usually larvae, that munch on your wardrobe are not just attracted to the keratin found in natural materials such as silk, wool, and leather – annoyingly, likely making up your most expensive pieces – they will also happily eat dead skin cells. This makes your closet the perfect place to feast.
These are what pest experts say to look out for and what to do to get rid of them. 'Moths are often the main cause of holes in natural fabric clothing, such as silk, wool, or cashmere,' says Iliyan Andreev, a pest control specialist at . 'These bugs can be recognized by the .