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Fabric pests – How to spot the signs

15 Jun 2016 | By Bug Busters

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There’s nothing more frustrating than pulling out your favourite item of clothing only to find it covered in tell-tale holes. This is just one of the many signs that you have a fabric pest problem and these tiny insects can cause serious damage to textiles around your home.

It’s important to know what signs to look for when it comes to fabric pests so you can treat them sooner rather than later. It also means you can spot them before they do too much damage.

What are fabric pests?

Fabric pests is a term that applies to insects that feed on or damage cotton, wool, silk, linen, synthetics, carpets and other fabric throughout the home. Fabric pests include silverfish, carpet beetles and clothes moths.

Carpet beetles and clothes moths prefer fabric which contains keratin but they will attack other materials if they’re contaminated with other substances such as sweat or food. Silverfish prefer substances of plant origin such as cotton.

What are the signs of fabric pests?

  • Damage to textiles – One of the first signs of a fabric pest problem is finding damage to textiles around the house. This could include tiny holes in your clothing or loose carpet pile.
  • Evidence of insects – You may have a problem with fabric pests if you’re finding live or dead insects around window openings or door frames. You can also take a look under heavy furniture such as your couch to have a look at the carpet. When moving furniture, you may see moths fly away which is a further sign of infestation.
  • Larvae and eggs – When searching for fabric pests, you may find larvae in quiet, dark places around the house such as wardrobes or under heavy furniture. Eggs may also be found in dark places around the house or on textiles.
  • Insect debris – Yes, it sounds gross but often a sign of a fabric pest problem is when you can see skin, faeces and other debris. Carpet beetle larvae shed brown skins and produce faeces the size of a salt grain. Have a look under furniture, around skirting boards and in corners to see if you can spot skin, faeces, silk threads, cocoons, tubes and cases.

What can be done?

Once you’ve discovered that you have an infestation of fabric pests, you’ll want to get rid of them as quickly and easily as possible. To avoid ongoing damage to textiles in your house, it’s best to call on professionals to deal with the problem quickly and safely. Regular inspection around the house means you can keep on top of those pesky fabric pests.

At Bug Busters, we offer safe and reliable solutions for all of your pest problems to homes across the Perth metro area. We are a one stop shop for pest removal and can treat a range of pests. We use a number of different methods depending on the situation so you can be assured we have the right treatment for your situation.

To organise pest management services for your home or business, contact Bug Busters today on 08 9493 1313.

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We had an appointment scheduled very quickly and easily with Bug Busters. Aaron was on time and a true professional. He was knowledgable, open, and explained the whole process easily and clearly. Gave us a guarantee that our problems would be solved and if there were any future issues he would attend to them himself with the utmost expedience. Aaron was a real pleasure to work with and i feel significantly more comfortable after working with him. Would recommend their services to anyone who needed them.

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Sarah Garrett

Bugbusters installed termite traps around my house and shed many years ago. Every 3 months the traps are inspected for any termite activity. At intervals the house, ceiling and shed are are checked for termites. They have also dealt with wasp infestations and put rat baits in the ceiling.. Their operatives have always been helpful and friendly. I would recommend Bugbusters to anyone.

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I have used Bug Busters on a number of occassions over the last 15 years. The last time only a few days ago.. Derryn was absolutely client focussed; professional; neat and cleaned up impeccably my jarrah floors that had just been re varnished. I have no hesitation to recommend this company.. Five stars from me. Paul Vic Park.

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