What It Means If You Find Holes in Sweaters or Blankets
You’re pulling out your favorite wool sweater or unpacking your cozy winter blanket, only to find tiny holes that weren’t there before. It’s frustrating — and more common than you might think. But those holes aren’t just wear and tear. They’re often a sign that fabric pests have made themselves at home.
At Specter Pest Control, we’ve helped many homeowners identify the real cause behind mysterious damage to clothing, linens, and stored fabrics. If you’re finding unexplained holes in your wardrobe or blankets, it’s worth digging into what might be behind it.
The Culprits: Fabric-Damaging Pests in Your Home
Several common household pests feed on natural fibers found in clothing, upholstery, and blankets. The most likely offenders include:
1. Clothes Moths
Clothes moth larvae (not the adult moths themselves) feed on natural fibers like wool, cashmere, silk, and cotton. They’re often found in dark, undisturbed places like closets, drawers, or storage bins.
What to look for:
- Irregular holes in garments
- Webbing or cocoons attached to fabric
- Fine, sand-like droppings (frass)
2. Carpet Beetles
Like clothes moths, carpet beetle larvae feed on natural materials. Despite their name, they’re not limited to carpets — they’ll chew through blankets, sweaters, and furniture coverings too.
What to look for:
- Small, round holes in fabric
- Shed larval skins that look like tiny, fuzzy shells
- Adult beetles near windows or light sources
3. Silverfish
Silverfish can also damage fabric — especially starched linens or paper-based materials. They’re drawn to dark, humid areas and can silently damage your belongings over time.
What to look for:
- Surface etching or holes in fabric and paper
- Yellowish stains on items
- Silver, fast-moving bugs in bathrooms or basements
Why They Target Your Clothing and Blankets
These pests aren’t going after your wardrobe out of spite — they’re after keratin, a protein found in natural fibers. Items that are stored away, rarely moved, or not cleaned before storage are prime targets. Left unchecked, even a small population of pests can create widespread damage over time.
How to Protect Your Belongings From Fabric Pests
Protecting your home and belongings doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are expert-backed steps homeowners can take:
1. Store Smart
Use airtight containers for storing off-season clothes and blankets. Avoid cardboard boxes, which pests can chew through or nest in.
2. Clean Before Storing
Always wash or dry clean items before putting them away. Even tiny food or oil particles can attract pests.
3. Reduce Humidity
Pests like moths and silverfish love warm, damp environments. Use a dehumidifier in closets or storage spaces to make them less inviting.
4. Vacuum Regularly
Vacuum carpets, baseboards, and closet floors regularly — especially if you’ve noticed pest activity. This helps remove eggs and larvae before they become a bigger problem.
5. Inspect Your Items Periodically
Even stored clothing needs a quick check now and then. Look for signs of droppings, damage, or larvae in and around fabric.
When to Call Specter Pest Control
If you’ve already found holes in your sweaters or damage to stored fabric, it’s time to take action. DIY traps and sprays might give temporary relief, but they rarely address the root of the problem.
At Specter Pest Control, we offer thorough inspections, targeted treatments, and prevention plans tailored to your home and the pests you’re dealing with. Our treatments are safe, modern, and highly effective — designed with families and pets in mind.
Whether you’re dealing with moths, carpet beetles, or other unwanted fabric feeders, our expert team can help you protect your belongings and restore peace of mind.
Don’t Let Pests Destroy What You Love
Finding holes in your favorite sweater or cherished family blanket is more than frustrating — it’s a sign your home may need attention. Get ahead of the problem now before it spreads to more areas of your home.
