Common Pests in Clothes & Bedding: Identification & Control

Various bugs tend to inhabit or merely visit our beds and clothes. Some will quietly sip human blood at night, while others will make a comfortable home in our warm mattresses. Professional exterminators or do-it-yourself methods can help combat bug infestations in your closet or mattress.

Dust Mites

• Dust mites are microscopic bugs that feast on shed human and animal skin. They are not dangerous to humans, but can cause allergic reactions.

Bed Bugs

• Bed bugs are wingless insects that reach ¼ of an inch in size in adulthood. They live on the warm blood of humans or animals, and they tend to hide in mattresses, bed frames and other furniture.

Carpet Beetles

• The larvae of carpet beetles feed of dead animal products such as wool, fur and leather. Carpet beetles tend to damage one large area of a garment.

Clothes Moths

• Clothes moths' larvae are minuscule, but the damage they do is great. They eat animal products such as wool, fur, felt, silk and suede, and can damage clothing, carpets and furniture.

Termites

• Termites are known for eating wood, but they will also eat clothing and anything containing cellulose.