When expensive sweaters, heavy wedding lehengas, or favorite silk saris are stored in a closet, small holes may sometimes be discovered on the clothing after months. This is especially noticeable if the items have been in one place for a long time. It raises the question of how new items could suddenly be damaged. Many tend to think that rats damaged the clothes, but this may be an incorrect assumption.
Small damage to saris or clothing is most often caused not by rodents, but by certain insects capable of damaging fabrics and other items. Among such pests are silverfish. This small, silvery insect prefers to hide in damp and dark places. It feeds on starch, paper, glue, and some substances found in clothing.
If there is moisture in the closet and cleaning has been neglected for a long time, the population of these insects can increase. Fortunately, there are simple methods that help protect valuable items. Below are six ways to help keep your clothes intact.
- Using cinnamon sachets: Cinnamon, available in the kitchen, is used not only for the taste and aroma of food, but also because of its strong scent, some people use it to repel insects. To do this, take several cinnamon sticks, wrap them in cotton fabric to make a small sachet, and place it near the corners, drawers, or storage areas of the clothes in the closet.
- Cucumber peel: Cucumber peels, which are often thrown away after being used in salads, are recommended in folk remedies to repel silverfish. It is believed that the smell of cucumber peel acts as a natural repellent against silverfish. The peel can be placed inside the closet; its aroma can help drive away silverfish, but it is important to dispose of it before it starts to rot.
- Baking soda: Baking soda is used both for household cleaning and for removing stains from dishes. In some home recipes, it is mixed with sugar to destroy silverfish. When the mixture is scattered and the insects consume it, baking soda causes dehydration in their bodies, leading to death.
- Lavender and lemon oil spray: The strong aroma of certain essential oils is used to protect against insects, including lavender, lemon, and orange oils. Ready-made sprays with these oils can be applied around the closet, as silverfish dislike strong smells.
- Diatomaceous earth: If silverfish constantly appear in the cracks and corners of the closet, diatomaceous earth can be a solution. This is a fine powder made from the remains of marine organisms, used to control certain pests. It can cause dehydration by damaging the outer layer of the insects.
If you notice small holes in clothes stored in the closet, do not prematurely conclude that the damage was caused specifically by silverfish. There are other types of insects capable of damaging fabrics. Therefore, when discovering such damage, you should consider the following points.