Fabric Pests
(Various species)
Average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars 
What are fabric pests?
Fabric pests are a type of stored product pest that feeds on and damages organic and synthetic fabrics stored in most homes and businesses. Wools, furs, silk materials, and other fabrics are prone to damage by these pests.
Some of the most common fabric pests discovered in our Pennsylvania homes and businesses include clothes moths, carpet beetles, and silverfish:
- Carpet beetles have a mottled color pattern and a round dome shape that is very similar to ladybugs.
- Clothes moths have long, narrow wings with three dark spots on the front wings and are a buff color.
- Silverfish have a carrot-shaped body, are covered in silvery "scales," and have a three-pronged appendage coming off their hind end.
Are fabric pests dangerous?
Fabric pests are as destructive, not dangerous. They chew holes through things like clothing, rugs and carpets, blankets, and upholstered furniture. Silverfish will not only attack fabric items but sometimes dry goods stored in our pantries.
Carpet beetles are attracted to the oils in people’s hair and on their bodies; as the bristly larvae crawl over a person, they often cause an itchy rash. A carpet beetle infestation is often confused for a bed bug infestation.
Why do I have an fabric pest problem?
When it comes to carpet beetles and clothes moths, like other stored product pests, it is not the adult that does most of the damage; it is their larvae. The females lay their eggs on the fabric, and once the larvae hatch, they begin to feed and create holes.
A problem with carpet beetles and clothes moths usually occurs after an item already infested with their eggs or larvae is brought into your home. Sometimes clothes moths adults will move indoors from the outside through spaces they discover around windows.
Adult silverfish damage fabric items inside our homes. They often enter structures on their own from outside or by hitchhiking their way inside in things like boxes, potted plants, and other outdoor items.
Where will I find fabric pests?
Fabric pests like to live in quiet, damp areas of a West Chester home. Basements, closets, crawl spaces, and kitchens are places you will find these pests. These pests specifically invade cardboard boxes, upholstered furniture, stored clothing, and areas under carpets and rugs.
How do I get rid of fabric pests?
Trust Masters Touch Pest Solutions to solve the problems you are experiencing with fabric pests. We understand how frustrating and difficult eliminating these pests can be. With over 25 years of local pest control experience, you can rest easy knowing we will provide you with effective and dependable pest control services!
If you live in the West Chester area and need help eliminating fabric pests from your home or business, reach out to Masters Touch Pest Solutions today and learn about our tailored pest control options!
How can I prevent pests in the future?
In addition to our home pest control and commercial pest control services, take advantage of the following prevention tips to keep fabric pests out of your home:
- Reduce humidity levels in your house by utilizing dehumidifiers and ventilating basements.
- Install door sweeps on exterior doors and weatherstripping around windows and doors.
- Inspect items that have been outside before bringing them back indoors for silverfish.
- Store clothing, blankets, and other fabric items in pest-proof bags and bins instead of cardboard boxes.
- Vacuum your carpets and upholstered furniture regularly.