Answer
Mar 31, 2013 - 10:58 AM
The important thing to remember is that Carpet Beetles, Clothes Moths, etc, are looking for Natural fibers, not cotton. Natural wool carpet, clothes, etc contain "keratin" which is a protein also found in hair, skin and nails, although these little beetles don't attack humans or feed on human tissues. Very seldom will they feed on cotton as there is no nutrition in it.
Regardless, if you have damage to clothing, then it is either something caused mechanically - washer - dryer, etc. or it could be something else. If you are convinced that it is insect related - it could also be crickets, silverfish, etc. - then there are a couple of things you can do.
First, remove all clothing from the closet and inspect everything for insect damage, and evidence of insects. (Dead body casings, egg casings, larvae, etc.). If any of this is found, send the clothes that contain wool, etc. to the cleaners and wash everything else in hot soapy water. Leave everything OUT of the closet.
Nex - treat the closet or any area with a residual insecticide such as Pestabs. This product can be sprayed over all the carpets, corners of rooms, under beds, etc. Here is the link - http://www.epestsupply.com/product/PE...
You can also use ePest IPM Bug Traps and place them inside the closet along baseboards, stick them on the walls etc, to trap insects - http://www.epestsupply.com/product/IP...
Finally, Insect Guard will provide a "fumigating" effect that will kill and repel insects - http://www.epestsupply.com/product/IN... Hang these from the clothes rods, from the ceiling, etc.
Before replacing the clothes in the closet, place them inside of protective bags, tubs, etc to make sure that they are "protected from insect attack.
Use the ePest IPM Bug Traps to monitor and capture wandering insects and check them every couple of weeks. If the problem comes back, then repeat the above procedures or contact me again.
Its always a good idea to know exactly what the insect is before you start spraying and using a lot of pesticides indoors. The Bug Traps may be a great place to start while you continue investigating. Hope this helps.
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