Nine Tips for Protecting Your Closets From Pests

Adam Bender | May 18, 2021

Are you tired of finding tiny holes in your clothing? This may be a sign that you have pests. These unwanted guests can wreak havoc on your wardrobe. Some of the most common bugs found in closets are carpet beetles, clothes moths, spiders, ants, silverfish, roaches, and scorpions.

Besides causing damage to your clothing, these creepy crawlers can also make you feel understandably nervous to reach into your custom closets. The good news is there are easy steps you can take to prevent your closets from becoming invaded.

Remove excess clutter
Store seasonal clothing in zippered canvas storage bags or plastic containers with lids
Vacuum floors and dust shelves regularly
Make sure backpacks and purses are empty
Don’t forget to clean hard to reach areas like ceilings and light fixtures
Never place dirty clothes in your closet
Keep areas leading to your closet clean and clutter-free
Seal off any cracks in drywall or windows
Use sachets of lavender or other dried herbs

Whether you have a walk-in, reach-in, or armoire type closet, you’ll want to keep your wardrobe protected from pests. Read on to learn more details about how to keep your closets safe.

Declutter Your Closets

Clothes that you haven’t worn in a while provide the perfect hiding places for insects. They love to feed on the fabrics tucked away in the back of your closets. The start of each season is the perfect time to sort through your wardrobe and get rid of items you haven't worn in a while. Keeping your closets organized and decluttered is a great way to protect your clothes from pests.

Storage Options For Seasonal Clothing

Bugs are incredibly attracted to paper-based products, so stay away from that storage option. Instead, store seasonal clothing in zippered canvas garment bags. Another option is clear plastic storage containers with a tight-fitting lid. These options will keep your seasonal clothes safe from bugs and dust.

Keep Your Area Clean

Vacuum the shelves and carpets in your closet regularly. Use your vacuum's attachments to clean areas near the walls and in the often forgotten corners. Clean tile or other flooring with a mop and mild cleaning solution. Pay special attention to areas near the wall, baseboards, and corners of your closet. These spots are often left undisturbed and make the perfect place for bugs to visit.

Clean Out Your Backpacks & Purses

If your purse or backpack doubles as a lunch bag, always empty it before storing in your closet. A bag with food crumbs, open candy, or gum can attract critters. Some insects can detect food smells up to 10 feet away. Shake out any food or crumbs from your bags and wipe up spills from the inside with a mild cleaning solution before storing them away.

Look Up: Clean Your Ceiling and Light Fixtures

If you examine your home’s ceiling light fixtures, you will often find dead bugs inside of them. That’s because bugs love light and warmth. Be sure to periodically clean out your closet's ceiling light fixtures. This will take away a food source for scavenger-type insects.

While you're up there, remember to dust the taller areas of your space. Bugs commonly travel along these routes. Clean these areas with a damp cloth to erase pheromone trails left behind by insects.

Launder All Clothing and Footwear

Bugs have a keen sense of smell. Clothing with fresh food stains, sweaty body odors, and perfumes can attract pests. Be sure to wash all of your worn garments before placing them back in your closet.

Your smelly sneakers may also provide a home for insects. To cut down on odors, spray the inside of your shoes with a fabric refresher. You can also launder your shoes according to the manufacturer’s care instructions.

Keep the Areas Around Your Closets Clean

Keep the areas leading to your closets clean and clutter-free. Bugs love to burrow in dark and messy places. Piles of soiled clothes, stacks of paperwork, and other types of clutter can offer shelter for pests.

Fix Any Cracks or Holes in Walls or Windows

If your closet has a window, make sure the window is well sealed so outside bugs don’t venture in. Also, pay close attention to the condition of your drywall. A crack in your wall big enough for a credit card to fit through means there’s a good chance a bug can make its home there, according to theFamilyHandyman.

Opt for Plant-Based Solutions

Instead of reaching for harmful insecticides, try a more natural route. TheSpruce.com recommends adding a bundle of dried lavender flowers to your closet to prevent bugs. If you don’t like the smell of lavender, you can experiment with:

Peppermint
Rosemary
Thyme
Cloves

Any of the above herbs can be stored in cloth bags. They may also be placed inside dresser drawers, and in clothing storage bins. Herbs lose their potency over time, so be sure to replace them about every few months.

Conclusion

Keep your closets free from pests by having a regular cleaning schedule. Take a few moments each week to tidy up. Seasonally, do a deeper cleaning and declutter session, and yearly, check for any structural issues like holes in your closet walls. These simple tips will help protect your closets and your home from unwanted pests.