Many people wonder if ants can damage clothing, especially when these tiny insects are discovered near garments. The concern often arises from finding ants near wardrobes and fearing unsightly holes or deterioration. This article addresses whether ants consume fabrics, explains why they might be found near clothes, and identifies the actual pests responsible for fabric damage.
Ants and Fabric Damage
Ants do not eat clothes, so they are not responsible for direct fabric damage. While ants are omnivores with diverse diets, they lack the specific digestive enzymes necessary to break down natural or synthetic fibers found in clothing. Their typical diet consists of sugars, proteins, fats, fungi, and other insects. For example, ants are attracted to sweet liquids like honeydew and nectar, as well as protein-rich foods such as meat and eggs.
Ants do not possess the enzymes required to digest cellulose, the primary component of plant-based fibers like cotton and linen, or keratin, the protein found in animal-based fibers such as wool and silk. Their digestive systems are adapted for processing sugars, starches, and other organic matter, which are not present in clean fabric. Therefore, while ants may crawl on clothes, they are generally not interested in consuming the fabric itself.
Reasons Ants Are Near Clothes
Even though ants do not consume fabrics, their presence near clothing is often due to other attractants. Ants are drawn to food spills or crumbs on garments, in pockets, or within the closet. Lingering traces of sugary residues, food, or sweat can act as a beacon for foraging ants.
Moisture is another common draw, as ants seek water sources, especially in dry conditions. Damp clothes, leaks, or high humidity in a closet can create an inviting environment. Ants may also seek shelter in undisturbed areas like closets, or they might be preying on other smaller insects or larvae present on or near clothing.
Common Fabric-Damaging Pests
If ants are not eating your clothes, other pests are the likely culprits for fabric damage.
- Clothes moths: Their larvae are the destructive stage, feeding on animal fibers containing keratin like wool, silk, fur, and feathers, often leaving irregular holes.
- Carpet beetles: Their larvae damage a wide range of organic materials, consuming wool, silk, leather, and fur. They can also damage cotton or linen if soiled with food or animal excreta.
- Silverfish: These pests feed on starchy materials, including cellulose in cotton, linen, rayon, and paper products, often leaving irregular holes and dark stains.
- Cockroaches and crickets: These insects can damage clothes when attracted to stains like perspiration, food, or drink spills on the fabric.
Safeguarding Your Wardrobe
Protecting your clothes from pests involves maintaining a clean environment that is unfavorable to them. This proactive approach can significantly reduce the risk of damage.
- Regularly clean and vacuum closets to remove dust, debris, and potential food sources.
- Store clothes clean and completely dry, as food residues, sweat, and moisture attract insects.
- Use airtight containers or vacuum-sealed bags for long-term storage to prevent pest access.
- Control humidity levels in storage areas to deter pests like silverfish and some ants.
- Inspect clothes before storage and promptly address any spills or crumbs.
- Natural deterrents like cedar blocks or lavender sachets have limited effectiveness.