Protect Your Wardrobe from Silverfish Damage
Imagine pulling out your favorite suit or dress — the one you’ve saved for special occasions — only to find it’s full of holes. And the worst part? You thought it was safely stored in a suit bag the whole time.
That’s exactly what happened to one of our recent customers. Three of his expensive suits were damaged, despite being packed away carefully. The culprit? Silverfish.
What Are Silverfish?
Silverfish might not look scary at first — they’re small, silver-grey bugs with long antennae and no wings. But don’t be fooled. These little insects move with a quick, wiggly motion (kind of like a fish), and they can quietly destroy your clothes, books, and even wallpaper if they go unnoticed.
Worse still? They can live up to eight years if they’re living in the right conditions with enough to eat!
Why Do Silverfish Eat Clothes?
It’s not the fabric they’re after — it’s what’s on the fabric.
Silverfish love anything high in sugar and starch, which means your clothes are more at risk if they’ve ever been spilled on with soft drinks, food, or even skin oils. But they also chew through:
- Cotton
- Linen
- Silk
- Rayon
- Leather
So, even clean clothes — especially natural materials — can still be targets.
Silverfish don’t eat clothes the way moths do. Instead of just nibbling holes, they graze across the surface, often causing thin patches, yellow stains, or tiny holes that get worse over time.
Where Do Silverfish Hide?
Silverfish love dark, warm, and humid spots — which makes your wardrobe the perfect hiding place.
If you’ve got clothes stored away in:
- Suit bags
- Cardboard boxes
- Drawers that don’t get opened much
- Back corners of the closet
…then your clothes might be at risk.
In the case of our client, there were no signs of silverfish anywhere else in the house. The suit bag, sealed and undisturbed, had created the perfect micro-climate for silverfish to settle in and multiply.
How Do I Know If I Have Silverfish?
Here are some common signs to look out for:
- Tiny holes or scratch marks on clothes or paper
- Yellow stains on fabrics
- Shed skin from the silverfish as they grow
- Droppings that look like small black pepper grains
- Sightings of the bugs — especially at night
They’re sneaky, so you might not spot them easily. But if your stored clothes or books are looking worse for wear, it’s worth checking.
How Can I Protect My Clothes from Silverfish?
Here are some simple steps you can take to keep your wardrobe safe:
1. Keep Your Wardrobe Dry
Silverfish love moisture. If your wardrobe or storage area is humid or warm, you’re giving them a welcome mat.
- Use dehumidifiers or moisture absorbers (like DampRid)
- Keep the wardrobe door open occasionally to air it out
- Avoid storing clothes in damp areas (like basements or garages)
2. Wash Before You Store
Food stains, sugary spills, or body oils can attract silverfish. So always:
- Wash clothes thoroughly before packing them away
- Avoid storing items with any residue, even if it seems invisible
3. Store Items Properly
Plastic containers are your best bet — silverfish can’t chew through them. Avoid using cardboard, which they love to eat and nest in.
- Use sealed plastic boxes with lids
- Consider vacuum-sealing clothes if they’re going to be stored for a long time
- Avoid overpacking – airflow helps reduce moisture
4. Keep It Clean
Silverfish also feed on dust, dead skin, paper, and glue. So regular cleaning helps prevent infestations.
- Vacuum wardrobes and drawers regularly
- Wipe down shelves
- Throw out old cardboard boxes, newspapers, and packaging
5. Use Natural Repellents
Silverfish hate certain smells. Try placing these in your wardrobe:
- Cedarwood blocks
- Cloves
- Lavender sachets
- Bay leaves
- Cinnamon sticks
They’re safe, smell great, and help keep bugs away naturally.
When to Call in the Pros
If you’re seeing damage to your clothes or spotting silverfish regularly — especially in multiple rooms — it may be time to bring in a professional.
A full pest control treatment can:
- Kill off any active infestation
- Prevent them from returning
- Protect your entire home — not just your wardrobe
Silverfish can be stubborn, and once they’ve found a place they like, they’re not in a rush to leave. Professional treatment targets both the bugs you can see and the eggs they’ve laid — so you’re not fighting a losing battle.
Final Thoughts
Silverfish might be small, but they can cause big problems if left alone. Whether it’s your favorite outfit, an old photo album, or that book you’ve been meaning to read — they’ll chew right through it if given the chance.