What Are Fabric Pests?
Fabric pests are insects that feed on natural fibers, glues, papers, and organic materials found throughout homes. They cause damage to clothing, carpets, upholstered furniture, books, and stored items.
Unlike food pests or structural pests, fabric pest damage often goes unnoticed for months. By the time you discover holes in a favorite sweater or damage to a valuable rug, the infestation may be widespread.
These pests thrive in undisturbed areas—closets, storage boxes, under furniture, and in attics. Effective control requires finding and treating all infested items, not just the obvious damage sites.
Common Fabric Pests
1. Carpet Beetles
Small, round beetles (⅛ inch). Larvae are fuzzy, brown, and cigar-shaped. Feed on wool, silk, fur, feathers, leather. Most common fabric pest in Texas. Adults feed on pollen—seen on windowsills.
2. Silverfish
Wingless, silver-gray, fish-like appearance, ½ inch long. Feed on starchy materials, paper, glue, book bindings, wallpaper. Prefer humid areas—bathrooms, basements, closets. Live 2-8 years.
3. Firebrats
Similar to silverfish but gray-brown with mottled appearance. Prefer warm, dry areas—attics, near furnaces, ovens. Feed on same materials as silverfish. More heat-tolerant.
4. Booklice (Psocids)
Tiny (1mm), soft-bodied, tan or gray. Not actually lice—harmless to humans. Feed on mold, fungi, starches in paper and book bindings. Indicate moisture problems.
Identification Guide
Size
Carpet beetles: ⅛ inch | Silverfish: ½ inch | Firebrats: ½ inch | Booklice: 1mm
Color
Carpet beetles: Black/brown with colored scales | Silverfish: Silver-gray | Booklice: Tan
Shape
Beetles: Oval, hard shell | Silverfish/firebrats: Elongated, tapered | Booklice: Tiny, soft
Behavioral Signs
- Carpet beetles: Larvae avoid light, found in dark corners and storage
- Silverfish: Fast runners, nocturnal, seen in bathtubs (fall in, can't climb out)
- Firebrats: Prefer temperatures 90-100°F, found near heat sources
- Booklice: Tiny, quick-moving, found in humid storage areas
Signs of Fabric Pest Infestation
Carpet Beetle Indicators:
- Small, irregular holes in wool, silk, or fur items
- Fuzzy, brown larvae in closets or storage boxes
- Adult beetles on windowsills in spring (seeking exit to flowers)
- Damage to rugs, especially in dark corners or under furniture
- Cast larval skins in infested areas
Silverfish Indicators:
- Live silverfish seen in bathrooms, especially at night
- Small holes or notches in paper, wallpaper, book covers
- Yellow staining on fabrics or paper
- Tiny black pepper-like droppings
- Damage to stored photos, documents, or books
General Fabric Damage:
- Holes in sweaters, blankets, or upholstered furniture
- Thinning or bare spots in carpets or rugs
- Damaged book bindings or loose pages
- Fraying on curtains or tapestries
- Damage concentrated in dark, undisturbed areas
Damage to Belongings
Clothing & Textiles
- Holes in wool sweaters, suits, coats, blankets
- Damage to silk scarves, ties, and formal wear
- Fur coats and fur-trimmed items destroyed
- Upholstered furniture with thinning fabric or exposed filling
- Leather items damaged—belts, bags, shoes
Carpets & Rugs
- Irregular bare patches in wool or wool-blend carpets
- Damage concentrated under furniture or in closets
- Persian and Oriental rugs particularly vulnerable
- Can destroy valuable antique textiles
Paper & Books
- Silverfish eat glue in book bindings causing pages to loosen
- Holes and notches in book covers and pages
- Damage to stored documents, photos, and certificates
- Wallpaper loosening or with small holes
- Cardboard boxes weakened by feeding
Other Materials
- Mounted insects or taxidermy destroyed
- Feather pillows and down comforters damaged
- Pet food and birdseed contaminated
- Dried flowers and decorative items with natural materials
Prevention Strategies
Reduce Humidity
- Use dehumidifiers in basements, closets, and storage areas
- Fix leaks and moisture problems promptly
- Ensure proper ventilation in closets and storage
- Silverfish and booklice require moisture—dry conditions prevent them
Clothing & Storage
- Clean all clothing before long-term storage (even "clean" items)
- Store wool and silk in sealed plastic containers, not cardboard
- Use cedar blocks or lavender sachets (mild deterrent)
- Avoid storing items in attics or basements if possible
- Regularly wear or air out stored clothing
Regular Cleaning
- Vacuum carpets thoroughly, especially edges and under furniture
- Clean closets and drawers regularly
- Vacuum and clean upholstered furniture periodically
- Dispose of vacuum bags promptly (can contain eggs)
- Dust books and bookshelves to remove eggs
Exclusion
- Seal cracks and crevices where insects can hide
- Use weatherstripping on doors and windows
- Screen attic vents to prevent adult carpet beetles from entering
Professional Fabric Pest Treatment
Effective treatment requires identifying the pest species, locating all infested items, and implementing both immediate control and long-term prevention.
Our Treatment Protocol
Thorough Inspection
Identify pest species. Inspect closets, storage areas, carpets, upholstered furniture, bookshelves. Assess extent of infestation
Infested Item Treatment
Clean or freeze infested items. Dry cleaning kills all life stages. Home freezing: 4 days at 0°F or lower
Crack & Crevice Treatment
Apply residual insecticides to baseboards, closet corners, carpet edges, and hiding spots
Carpet Treatment (if needed)
Treat carpets with appropriate insecticides, focusing on edges and under furniture
Moisture Control Recommendations
Address humidity issues that attract silverfish and booklice. Recommend dehumidifiers or repairs
Follow-Up Inspection
Re-inspect 2-4 weeks later to ensure elimination and catch any new emergence
Treatment Cost Expectations
Does not include cost of dry cleaning, freezing, or replacing damaged items
Common Questions
Q: Do carpet beetles only eat carpets?
No. Despite their name, carpet beetles feed on any natural fiber—wool, silk, fur, feathers, and leather. They also eat pet food, dead insects, and pollen. Carpets are just one of many food sources.
Q: Can silverfish damage synthetic fabrics?
Silverfish don't typically eat synthetic fibers like polyester or nylon. However, they'll damage fabrics stained with food, sweat, or body oils, and they readily consume cotton and rayon.
Q: Will mothballs protect my clothes?
Mothballs work but are toxic and create strong odors. They must be used in airtight containers to be effective. Cedar and lavender provide mild deterrence but are not reliable for heavy infestations.
Q: How did fabric pests get into my home?
Adult carpet beetles fly in through open windows seeking pollen and nectar. Silverfish enter through cracks and may arrive in cardboard boxes. Used furniture, rugs, or clothing can introduce infestations.
Protect Your Valuable Belongings
Don't let fabric pests destroy your clothing and possessions.
Let us eliminate the infestation before more damage occurs.