Do you have wool, fur, silk, leather, or other fabrics using animal fibers in your wardrobe? If so, you may be concerned about or have experienced clothing moths. These pests feed on animal fibers and can quickly destroy your favorite clothing if you don’t take the appropriate precautions. Let’s take a look at how to discourage clothes moths and how your local dry cleaner in Farragut, Tennessee, could help with pest prevention!

Inspect Stored Clothing Regularly

One of the big issues in regard to clothing moths is when garments are left in storage for extended periods of time. If you have a box of wool sweaters tucked away all year, waiting for winter to roll around, you will have no idea what is happening to them. It is best practice to take clothing out of storage every 3 to 4 months and inspect them for signs of pest activity. It is also a good idea to take them to the local dry cleaner in Farragut, Tennessee, at this time, even if you haven’t worn them.

Cleaning Seldom Used Areas

There is often an out-of-sight, out-of-mind approach when it comes to household chores. However, it is important to clean all of those hidden storage areas regularly to help keep pests away. In addition to cleaning your closets and attic space, you should also pay attention to areas underneath furniture. This will help make sure that there is no stray food or dampness that might be attracting pests that could potentially damage your clothing. It also means you are more likely to notice evidence of pest activity, which allows you to nip it in the bud as soon as possible.

Dry Clean Your Clothes Before Storing Them

One of the best times to have your clothing dry cleaned is before you put it into storage, especially seasonal items like winter coats, sweaters, and scarves. When clothing is clean, there’s less risk of attracting pests during long periods of storage. Be sure to store cleaned items in airtight containers or garment bags to further protect them from moths, beetles, and other pests.

How Can Dry Cleaning Help to Deter Pests?

You may wonder how dry cleaning can deter pests. Beyond cleaning your garments, dry cleaning can also help remove moths, bed bugs, viruses, and pathogens. Here are a few ways your dry cleaner in Farragut, Tennessee, can contribute to your pest control efforts, although you should also have your home treated by a pest control specialist.

• Killing Moth Eggs and Larvae - The most destructive stage of a moth’s life cycle is the larvae stage. Moth larvae feed on animal fibers, such as wool, cashmere, silk, fur, and leather. Dry cleaning can be highly effective in killing these larvae as well as moth eggs that are invisible to the naked eye. The heat and chemicals used in dry cleaning not only clean your clothes but also eradicate these pests before they have the chance to cause damage.
• Removing Organic Matter - Clothing moths, as well as other pests like carpet beetles, are attracted to organic residues such as sweat, body oils, and food particles. These substances cling to fabrics and act as a food source for pests. Regular dry cleaning ensures that your garments are free from these attractants, making them less appealing to moths and other insects.
• Pest Control Chemicals - Many dry cleaning processes use specific chemicals that not only clean your clothing but also act as mild insecticides. While these chemicals are safe for humans, they can deter insects and other pests from taking up residence in your fabrics. This provides an added layer of protection for your wardrobe, especially if you’re storing items for an extended period of time.
• Preventing Other Pests - In addition to moths, other pests like carpet beetles can be just as damaging to natural fabrics. Carpet beetle larvae feed on wool, leather, and fur, much like moths. Regular dry cleaning can help eliminate these pests before they have a chance to multiply and spread. By keeping your clothing pest-free, you also reduce the likelihood of infestations spreading to other areas of your home, such as carpets, upholstery, and stored fabrics.

In conclusion, protecting your wardrobe from clothing moths and other fabric-damaging pests requires a combination of proactive care and professional help. By regularly inspecting stored items, cleaning seldom-used areas in your home, and ensuring your garments are properly cleaned before storage, you can significantly reduce the risk of infestations. Partnering with your local dry cleaner in Farragut, Tennessee, can further bolster your pest control efforts by thoroughly cleaning and treating your garments to eliminate pests and prevent future issues. With these simple steps, you can keep your favorite clothing safe, pest-free, and ready to wear season after season.

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Farragut Cleaners is your locally owned and operated full-service dry cleaner. From dry cleaning to alterations and wedding dress preservation to home textiles, we are here to keep you fresh, clean, and looking & feeling impeccable.

Call 865-966-9414 or visit our website.