Six Simple Tricks for Preventing Pests in Your Closets

Unfortunately, insects are a typical homeowner hassle no matter where you live. But you are way smarter than those critters - you can triumph over these annoying creatures and protect your home and belongings, including your custom closets, from damage-causing bugs for good.

There’s no need to resort to harmful pesticides or invasive extermination companies when you see evidence of unwanted insect guests. With these six simple tricks, you can prevent destructive pests from getting a foothold in your expensive wardrobe:

Moths, silverfish, crickets, termites, and ants are all common culprits. These invaders are usually quite tiny and can be carried inside your home by pets, shoes, and even dry cleaning bags.

However, it’s easier than you think to eradicate pests in your closets - read on for more top tips on how to ban them for life!

The insects that enjoy chomping on fabric might be small, but you can spot them if you know the signs. Closets are typically cool and dark, perfect for bugs. The first step to eradicating these pests is to light up your closet as brightly as possible to increase the temperature and let you hunt for hidden culprits.

Remove all items from your closet and check each garment for damage. Look for holes, suspicious stains, etc... Make sure there are no holes in the walls or baseboards through which insects can invade. If so, repair those areas immediately to prevent any more from making themselves at home. Give your closets a thorough cleaning from top to bottom, and treat the floor covering to some extra vigorous vacuuming.

Bugs prefer snacking on organic materials like leather, fur, wool, and silk, and the microscopic residue you leave behind after wearing an item of clothing. And the more clothes you have, the more constricted the airflow becomes, which also helps pests get a foothold in your closets.

Spills from milk, juice, or beer can attract bugs even if the stains are dry. Insects also love to dine on human hair and skin oils. It’s best to move your dirty laundry staging area closer to your washer and dryer to keep pests far away. Keeping stinky clothes trapped in the closet can also make everything else in there smell like a locker room and increase the humidity level.

Annoying and destructive little creatures can also hitch a ride indoors on the soles of your shoes. Clean dirt and debris from your footwear before putting them away, or utilize a shoe rack in the entryway to protect your home from distasteful, outside germs. Many cultures around the world frown on wearing shoes inside the house to preserve sanctity and cleanliness and reduce the chance of pests.

Thankfully, Mother Nature has gifted some extremely fierce ways to deter insects. Here are a few of the most powerful natural combatants in the war against bugs:

• Cedar - Durable and aromatic, cedar wood has been used for generations to repel household pests like moths and mice. Home design advice site Hunker says that cedar chips in mesh or cloth bags or a diffuser of cedarwood oils will work wonders in your closets.

• Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) - A half and half mixture of ACV and water is extremely effective at getting rid of insects, especially spiders. Don’t worry about leaving a sharp vinegar scent behind - only bugs can smell it once it’s dry. Of course, make sure that your closet is empty before trying this method.

• Lavender - This herb, with a relaxing scent, repels mosquitos, moths, fleas, and other bugs. You can use sachets of dried lavender or make a spray with essential oils that smells amazing and drives away pests.

• Mint - Tasty in tea and candy, this multipurpose herb is easily grown in a window sill garden. You can also purchase fresh or dried leaves, as well as concentrated oil. Mint’s recognizable scent is known to strongly deter moths and mice.

High moisture levels are a recipe for disaster when it comes to invasive closet pests. Air conditioning naturally sucks moisture from the air but unfortunately, few closets feature an AC vent. Consider installing bright lighting to dry the air and help you determine if you have an insect problem.

Some climates are wet enough that your AC needs additional assistance keeping the atmosphere dry. Dehumidifiers will pull wetness from the air and create an inhospitable environment for moths and other insects. The square footage of your closet will guide you when selecting the right size dehumidifier for your needs.

Your air conditioner also keeps the flow of air moving through your home at a steady pace, but sometimes your closets need a little extra attention. A closed-off space will greatly benefit from an additional fan. Freely circulating dry air makes it hard for bugs to set up shop and inhibits the growth of mold. Box fans create a stiff breeze as well as sucking wetness from the air.

Space your clothes apart on the hanger rod to be sure air can flow between garments. Storing clothes in fabric bags instead of plastic helps keep it moving, as well as ensures that your shelves and drawers are not too densely packed. Use shelves and hooks to keep items up off the carpet and encourage ventilation. You may also decide to just remove your closet door completely, which is a great way to show off your organizational skills as well as letting your belongings breathe.