Fabric-munching bugs can turn your retail stock into a costly mess—think holes in sweaters, ruined rugs, and unhappy customers. At On Demand Pest Control, we’ve seen how these pests sneak into businesses and wreak havoc. From clothes moths to termites, here’s what you’re up against and how to keep your inventory safe.
Top Bugs That Eat Clothes
Not all bugs target fabric, but these culprits do—and they’re sneaky about it:
- Clothes Moths
- What They Eat: Wool, silk, fur, feathers—animal fibers are their feast.
- Signs: Silky tunnels, threadbare patches, tiny creamy-white larvae.
- Where: Dark corners like storage rooms or closets.
- Carpet Beetles
- What They Eat: Wool, leather, felt—plus synthetics if soiled.
- Signs: Bare spots, shed larval skins, tiny beetles on windowsills.
- Where: Carpets, upholstery, sunny spots.
- Cockroaches
- What They Eat: Stained fabrics (sweat, food spills).
- Signs: Chew marks, musty odors, droppings like coffee grounds.
- Risk: They spread germs, too.
- Crickets, Silverfish, and Termites
- What They Eat: Starchy fabrics (cotton, silk) or soiled items.
- Signs: Holes, yellow stains (silverfish), wood damage (termites).
- Where: Damp, dark areas or wood nearby.
Quick ID Chart: Fabric Pests at a Glance
| Bug | Favorite Fabrics | Key Damage | Where They Hide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clothes Moths | Wool, silk, fur | Silky webs, holes | Dark storage areas |
| Carpet Beetles | Wool, leather | Bare patches, skins | Carpets, windowsills |
| Cockroaches | Soiled fabrics | Chew marks, stains | Behind walls, crevices |
| Silverfish/Termites | Cotton, silk, wood | Holes, wood tunnels | Damp spots, wood |
Spot these signs? Search “bugs that eat clothes” and you’ll land here—now let’s fix it!
Why Fabric Pests Matter for Retail
These pests don’t just nibble—they destroy inventory, spread contamination, and hurt your bottom line. A single infested sweater can ruin a whole rack. Worse, cockroaches or termites can escalate into health risks or structural damage, threatening your business’s reputation.
How to Protect Your Retail Space
Prevention beats damage control. Here’s how:
- Inspect Regularly: Check stored items for holes, webs, or larvae—catch pests early.
- Seal Entry Points: Block cracks, gaps, and open windows to keep bugs out.
- Clean Up: Remove soiled fabrics and store items in sealed containers.
- Call the Pros: On Demand Pest Control offers tailored treatments—think barriers, traps, and eco-friendly options—to stop infestations fast.
Dealing with an Infestation?
If bugs are already dining on your stock, isolate affected items in sealed bags and dispose of them safely. Then, let us handle the rest. Our technicians identify the pest—moths, beetles, or otherwise—and deploy the right fix, from targeted sprays to long-term prevention.
Trust On Demand Pest Control
Fabric pests like clothes moths and carpet beetles don’t stand a chance with On Demand Pest Control on your side. We customize plans to fit your retail needs, keeping bugs out so you can focus on sales. Don’t let holes in your inventory mean holes in your profits—contact us today for a pest-free business!
