Tricks for Keeping Pests Out of Your Custom Closets

Heather Towner • July 19, 2022

There are few things more disappointing than having a new custom closet installed, only to find that it’s become overrun with pests. Aside from being an unsightly nuisance, some insects can chew on and damage your clothes or even present serious health risks.

Lucky for you, there are some tried and true methods of removing pests from your custom closet - and keeping them out.

Once you’re ready to get rid of the pests in your custom closet, you should:

Bring out the vacuum.
Go through your older clothes.
Use an insecticide.
Gather some lavender.
Get your hamper out of the closet.
Invest in some cedar.
Stick to a decluttering schedule.

Now that you understand the general steps, it’s time to dive into the specifics of keeping pests out.

Bring Out the Vacuum

As Bob Vila notes, it’s a good practice to vacuum your closet out regularly. Not only will this prevent bugs from taking root there, but it can also clear out any larvae that might’ve been left behind during an infestation.

Pests naturally nest in out-of-reach places, so be sure to break out the wand attachment and cover every square inch of your closet. If you can, try to vacuum out your closet weekly, especially after you clear out an infestation for the first time.

Go Through Your Older Clothes

Along with hiding in corners and crannies, pests will also seek out clothing items that go untouched for long stretches of time. Maybe you have a suit jacket you haven’t used in months or a dress that’s kept in long-term storage.

Whatever the garment is, insects can and will gather in the pockets and seams and use them to nest. Your best course of action is to go through your closet regularly and make sure that, at minimum, all clothes are washed every couple of months.

Use an Insecticide

Once you’ve taken some important preventative steps, it’s time to ensure the insects don’t come back. After clearing out your clothing, treat your closet with an insecticide that's safe to use indoors. This will not only clear out any remaining bugs in the closet but also act to repel pests for a short time.

If you’re uncomfortable with using a commercial insecticide, you can also make a simple and effective DIY substitute. Got some vinegar lying around the house? Put one part vinegar and one part water into a spare spray bottle and treat your closet the same way you would with a standard insecticide.

Gather Some Lavender

Lavender acts as an effective natural repellant to a wide variety of insects. Along with that, it also smells great and can mask the often harsh scent of insecticides if you choose to go that route.

You can use lavender in several different ways, from creating your own sachets to spraying essential oil with a lavender infusion to putting fresh lavender in a container.

Get Your Hamper Out of the Closet

While it can be convenient to keep your dirty clothes hamper in your closet, it can also attract pests. If you have a dedicated laundry room, try moving your hamper there. Open air and high traffic areas help to dissuade pests from taking root.

Invest in Some Cedar

Cedar is another effective natural solution to pest control. Many insects are repelled by the smell, and even just a few blocks or chips of cedar can make a big difference in your custom closet.

With that said, the naturally-occurring oil in cedar can damage clothing fibers. It’s important to keep cedar oil well away from your clothes. For best results, put your cedar in a secure but breathable container and place it on a shelf that won’t get in your way.

Stick to a Decluttering Schedule

The final step is to stick to a regular decluttering and cleaning schedule. Pests are persistent, and just because you’ve successfully cleared them out once doesn’t mean they won’t come back with a vengeance. By setting a reminder and sticking to regular upkeep, you should be able to keep insects out of your custom closet for good.

Conclusion

If your custom closet has become overrun with pests, don’t panic. By following these super simple steps and getting a little creative in your approach, you should have your beautiful closet back in no time at all!