No one likes the idea of bugs and rodents crawling around in their closets. There is no stronger feeling of disgust than finding a mouse among the bedding or seeing a moth hole in your favorite blouse.
If you see evidence that pests have invaded your custom closets, you need to eradicate them first. Once they are gone, you can move onto prevention. The following steps will help:
- Identify Common Pests
- Cut Off Food Supply
- Clean Closets Thoroughly
- Look for Entry Points
- Use Natural Repellants
Time to make those pests realize your closets are closed to new tenants. Continue on to learn more!
Identify Common Pests
Pest problems occur nationwide. However, each region has one or two pests that pose a more significant problem than others. To plan effectively, know which vermin and bugs are most commonly found in your area, so you can combat them accordingly.
According to the Tennessee Department of Health, you may contend with:
- Ants
- Carpet Beetles
- Clothes Moths
- Cockroaches
- Mice and Rats
- Spiders
The basics of keeping these or any pests out of your closets are simple.
Cut Off Food Supply
Pests don't randomly invade your home. They come in because you inadvertently offer them shelter and food. So, the first step to getting rid of them is to cut off the food supply. With no food, pests will leave and won’t return.
In your bedroom and hall closets, locating the food source might not be as simple. Here you should inspect your clothes to see if they have succumbed to moths. Clothing can also be a food source for beetles. If you have old clothes you don’t regularly wear, consider storing them in vacuum-sealed bags, open weave baskets to promote airflow. The last thing you want is to worry about mold growth on top of everything else!
You should also inspect any old papers that may be located in your closets. If you're like others, you store important papers like insurance documents or mortgage information. These bits of paper, if not stored properly, can be tempting morsels for beetles.
Clean Closets Thoroughly
You’ve eliminated the food source. Now you need to clean your closets to destroy any shelter you might be providing to pests. You don’t want to be the Park Avenue high rise for mice and roaches in your neighborhood.
Sort through your clothing. If you have seasonal items that you can store, put them in alternative locations, such as those mentioned above. Remove any cardboard you may have as it can serve as both food and shelter to pests.
With all the clutter out of the way, you can take the time to clean the carpets and shelving thoroughly. Vacuum and deep clean your carpet to get rid of carpet beetles, ants, and other tiny pests that may be hidden in the fibers. Wipe off all the shelves and drawers to remove dust that might attract pests.
Look for Entry Points
With a clean closet, you can see if there are obvious places where pests may get into your home. Obvious intrusion points are holes in the baseboards and ceilings, or windows missing caulking or fail to close tightly.
Some of these are simple fixes: add a new layer of caulk around your windows, filling in holes in the baseboards, walls, or ceilings. This will block them from returning to the scene of the crime.
With some pests, such as clothes moths, the traditional entry points might not be where the garment destroyers gain access. According to Today.com, clothes moths may get into your home by hitching a ride on you.
Sometimes they hide in the lapel of your jacket or go unnoticed on your running shoes. Other times, they get into the basement or attic and feast on stored rugs or clothing there before moving up to your closets.
Natural Pest Repellents
You don’t have to turn to chemicals to help keep the creepy crawlies at bay. If you have a problem getting rid of one type, natural pest repellants may help.
To keep roaches out of your closets, vinegar is an option. Mix apple cider vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the perimeter of your closet. Vinegar is a natural repellant to ants and will keep them from reinvading your space. Don't worry about the vinegar smell. Once the spray dries, the smell will go away. Forewarning though, be sure to empty your closets beforehand!
Ready to keep out moths? According to thespruce.com, cedar is a natural deterrent. Place cedar chips or use hangers made from cedar to keep moths away. Cedar also gives your closet a nice smell and acts as a natural deodorizer. You can also use sachets filled with lavender, mint, cloves, rosemary, and thyme.
Mice and rats can be a little more complicated when it comes to deterring them. Removing their food source and shelter is a big start. However, adding peppermint oil in your closet has a strong enough scent to stop rodents in their tracks.
Conclusion
Pests don’t have to ruin your day or your closets for that matter. By identifying the most problematic invaders, you can begin to put down roadblocks. Clear out any food sources that may be attracting them. Clean your closets by getting rid of unnecessary items and changing how you store things that might make suitable homes for pests. Block their entry points and look to natural repellants to keep them from returning.
