Do you often find cockroaches in your closet or in the drawers of your dresser? If so, you’re not alone. Clothes and fabrics can get infested by cockroaches, which can be gross and unsanitary. But have you ever wondered how to keep cockroaches away from clothes?
Quick Tips
- Wash your clothes frequently
- Put clothes in cupboards that don’t let air in.
- Employ Cedar Blocks or Lavender Sachets
- Regularly clean your wardrobe
- Seal Crevices and Cracks in the Wardrobe
- Remove Excess Moisture
- Use Lavender
- Diatomaceous Earth
This article will show you how to keep cockroaches from getting into your clothes.
What Attracts Cockroaches To Clothes?
Following things attract roaches to clothes
Fabric
Cockroaches are attracted to certain materials, particularly those that are fabricated from natural fibres such as cotton, silk, and wool. These fabrics should be avoided. The chemical cellulose, which is in these fabrics, is something that cockroaches like. Pests can also be attracted to dirty clothes or stains from food on them.
Body Oils And Sweat
Cockroaches are attracted to sweat and body oils because they have the proteins and salts they need to live. Due to this, it is possible to find cockroaches on clothing worn lately, particularly if the fabric comprises natural fibers.
Food Stains
Cockroaches are also attracted to clothes with food stains, especially those with sugars or other carbs. Cockroaches are omnivores, meaning they will consume practically everything, including food stuck to clothing. This is why they are so common.
Dirty Laundry
Cockroaches love open laundry. Since they cause the surrounding area to become damp and warm, unclean clothes might attract unwanted pests. This provides the pests with the nourishment and protection they require to survive.
Signs Of Cockroaches In Wardrobe And Clothes?
Cockroaches can be highly deceptive, and you may not even notice their presence until it is too late. Here are several indicators to watch for:
- Cockroach droppings are little black pellets in drawer corners and wardrobe floors.
- Cockroaches shed their skins as they mature, so if you find small brown shells, they may be in your clothes.
- If your clothes or wardrobe have a musty, greasy, or sweet odour, this could indicate the presence of cockroaches.
- If you observe cockroaches in your closet or on your clothing, it is time to take action.
[8] Ways To Keep Cockroaches Away From Clothes
Here are a few good ways to keep cockroaches out of your clothes:
Wash Your Clothes Frequently
Washing your clothes frequently is one of the easiest and most efficient ways to discourage cockroaches from making a home in them. Cockroaches are attracted to sweat, oil, and food stains, so wash your clothes after every use. Use hot water to kill any bacteria or bugs that might be there.
Put Clothes In Cupboards That Don’t Let Air In.
Another way to keep cockroaches from getting to your clothes is to keep them in airtight cupboards. Cupboards with tight-fitting doors are ideal, as they create a barrier between the clothes and the insects. Further more cupboards are airtight so cockroaches can’t smell clothes and ultimately don’t approach to your clothes.
Employ Cedar Blocks Or Lavender Sachets
Cockroaches can be kept away from your clothes with natural repellents like cedar blocks and lavender sachets. Put them in your dresser drawers or wardrobe against pests. Essential oils, like peppermint or tea tree oil, can also make a barrier that smells good.
Regularly Clean Your Wardrobe
If you regularly vacuum your closet or wardrobe, you can eliminate any food crumbs that might attract cockroaches. Use a handheld hoover to reach cockroach-hiding spots like cracks and corners. Make sure the hoover gets thrown away outside.
Seal Crevices And Cracks In The Wardrobe
Cracks and holes in your walls and floors can let cockroaches in. If you fill these cracks with caulk or foam, the insects won’t be able to get in. Make sure to seal any holes around pipes, vents, and windows.
Remove Excess Moisture
Cockroaches like places that are damp. To keep them from getting into your clothes, get rid of any extra water in your home. Fix pipes and faucets that leak, and if you need to, use a dehumidifier.
Put Lavender In Wardrobe
Lavender is a natural insect repellent that can keep cockroaches away from your clothes. You can keep these pests away by putting dried lavender sachets in your drawers and closets. Cockroaches and other pests don’t like the smell of lavender because it has natural oils with a strong smell.
Use Diatomaceous Earth
Natural diatomaceous earth can be used to get rid of cockroaches. It works by making the insects lose water, which kills them. You can get rid of cockroaches and keep your clothes safe by putting diatomaceous earth in your closet or drawers.
What Types Of Fabrics Are More Attractive To Cockroaches?
Cockroaches like fabrics for many different reasons. Some fabrics keep you cool and dry, while others keep you warm and dry. Here are some fabrics that cockroaches are more likely to like:
Cotton
Fabrics and beds are commonly made out of cotton. Cockroaches are attracted to the fabric, another reason they live there. Cotton is a good place for these pests to live because it provides warmth and water. Cotton is a wonderful site for these pests to live.
Wool
Wool is another kind of fabric that cockroaches like. These pests like to live in wool because it keeps them warm and gives them a place to hide. Wool is a common material found in homes because it is often used to make clothes, blankets, and rugs.
Rayon
Rayon, a man-made fibre, is commonly used for apparel and home textiles. It is also made of a fabric that cockroaches like. Rayon has a lot of moisture and heat, which makes it a good place for these pests to live and breed.
Nylon
Cockroaches are also attracted to nylon, which is another man-made fabric. Since nylon holds water and is warm, it is a good place for these pests to live and grow. Nylon is often used to make clothes, bedding, furniture, and carpets.
Are There Any Specific Colors That Attract Cockroaches To Clothes?
Cockroaches are attracted to warm colors, but there is no evidence to suggest that they are attracted to a certain color of clothing. They are more likely to be drawn to clothes that have food or other organic matter on them. Cockroaches might be drawn to your dirty clothes if you leave them lying around.
FAQs
Can Cockroaches Lay Eggs In Clothes?
Yes, cockroaches can lay eggs on clothing. They like to lay their eggs in places that are warm and dark, like your wardrobe. This is why taking precautions to keep these annoying bugs from getting into your clothes is so important.
How Often Should I Wash Clothes To Prevent Cockroaches?
One of the best ways to keep cockroaches from taking over your clothes is to wash them often. If you live in a humid or warm climate, it is recommended that you wash your clothes more frequently than once per week.
Is It Safe To Use Pesticides Or Insecticides On Clothes To Repel Cockroaches?
You can use insecticides and pesticides to keep cockroaches away, but you shouldn’t put them on your clothes. These chemicals can harm your health and also hurt your clothes. Use essential oils or other natural repellents instead.
How Can I Tell If Cockroaches Have Infested My Clothes?
If you see cockroach droppings, shed skins, or live cockroaches in or near your closet, they live in your clothes. You might also smell something musty or oily from your wardrobe or clothes.
Can Cockroaches Cause Damage To Clothes?
Cockroaches can damage clothes. They can make holes in the fabric and leave stains and bad smells behind. This is why it’s important to keep them from getting on your clothes by taking precautions.
How Do I Store Clothes To Prevent Cockroach Infestations?
To keep cockroaches from living in your clothes, you should keep them in an airtight cupboard. This will keep the insects from getting to your clothes and laying their eggs there.
How Can I Keep Cockroaches Away From My Laundry Room?
Keep your laundry room clean and organised to keep cockroaches away. Keep dirty clothes from lying around, and keep food and drinks far away. You can also keep them away with natural repellents like essential oils.
Final Thoughts
Cockroaches can be annoying, especially if they get into your clothes. But cockroaches won’t get into your clothes if you clean and store them properly. Cockroaches can also be scared away with cedarwood, essential oils, and lavender. It is highly recommended that you get in touch with a professional pest control service if the infestation is serious.
References
Zeni V, Baliota GV, Benelli G, Canale A, Athanassiou CG. Diatomaceous Earth for Arthropod Pest Control: Back to the Future. Molecules. 2021 Dec 10;26(24):7487. doi: 10.3390/molecules26247487. PMID: 34946567; PMCID: PMC8706096.