When people put away collectibles and family heirlooms for safe keeping, they expect just that - safe keeping. Allowing such treasures to be stored away uninspected for a long time, however, may damage the goods in ways they may not have expected.
Certain pests are drawn to long-stored belongings like vintage clothing. People have always been warned that moths can damage fabrics - particularly natural fibers like wool and silk - if they don't take precautions to store them properly. Tiny holes and worn spots are indications that moths or other pests have eaten or burrowed into the fibers and sometimes leave telltale insect casings behind.
Other insects that may damage stored fabrics are silverfish, which are drawn to book bindings, textiles or cardboard boxes that have been stored for long periods, particularly in dark and humid areas. They feed on starchy substances such as glue or paper, but they could turn up in cupboards during periods of high humidity.
Experts warn owners of vintage fabrics to check them every three to six months to make sure pests haven't caused damage. If there are indications of damage or evidence that pests have been in the storage area, pest control services like Abell Pest Control should be called to remedy the situation. They'll do a thorough analysis, conduct the pest removal and make recommendations to avoid similar problems in the future.
Storing vintage clothing and fabrics properly is a big part of how well they'll last over time. Insects are drawn to soiled clothes, so cleaning or airing out vintage pieces before they're stored will help deter pests. However, while dry cleaning will kill larvae, it may damage some fibers. Washing should be avoided. Fabrics like silks, fine wools or crepes can shrink and warp in water, even with hand washing. Dyes can also bleed onto other areas of the garment.
Because light can damage older fabrics, your vintage pieces should be placed in dark spaces as long as they're dry. Contact with humidity and heat may be more damaging than light and more likely to draw pests.
If the pieces are hung in storage, the hangers should be padded with acid-free tissue or unbleached muslin to keep the fabric from touching wood or wire. Avoid cedar hangers because acids from wood or cedar oil may seep into the garment. Hanging vintage pieces risks them becoming misshapen, so storing them flat, unfolded and wrapped in acid-free paper is preferred.
Because of the high amount of traffic and the versatility of the facilities, pests are naturally attracted to long-term care institutions. Many nursing homes, rehabilitation centers and other care facilities include on-site kitchens and cafeterias as well as private rooms and common spaces. All of these places are susceptible to attracting pests because of the presence of food, water and viable habitats.
During the summer months, some people love to go camping with family and friends. Yet this fun trip can be ruined with a few unwanted visitors, most notably different types of bugs. Crawling spiders, hungry mosquitoes and buzzing flies can become annoying quickly. How can you avoid these pests when you're outdoors? Consider these tips to keep bugs out of your campsite.
Carpenter ants can chew through the strongest studs and stringers in a house as they hollow the wooden beams out for nesting. The resulting damage can weaken the home's structural support and require expensive repairs. Professional pest control workers can remove a colony of ants, but the best practice for homeowners is to learn the best ways to keep out an ant colony and prevent the problem before it begins.
As the weather cools, you'll probably see fewer pests than you did during the warmer months, but that doesn't mean they're all gone just yet. Some insects can actually come out in full force during the autumn, while others might seek refuge in your warm home. Here are some key tips to keep in mind as fall gets underway:
As the middle of summer approaches, you need to be vigilant about keeping your garden free of pests. Many insects breed during the summertime, which means they're on the lookout for great places to lay their eggs. For many bugs, that means near a source of food. In fact, some species of insects will lay their eggs inside budding vegetables and fruit so their larvae have something to eat as soon as they hatch. That's why you have to keep harmful bugs out without damaging the bugs that could help you, such as bumble bees.
You might have noticed that, with the exception of the kitchen, you find more pests in your bathroom than in the rest of your home. This is because insects and rodents see the bathroom as a convenient watering hole. Pests love leaky pipes and standing water because these offer them a hydrating oasis in the otherwise dry biome that is your house or apartment. And if your bathroom develops mold, all the better for pests, who may eat fungus or use it to lay their eggs.
The kitchen is largest gathering place for pests in a residential home. The reason is simple: pests can grab a bite to eat and take a sip of water while they're here. And when they find such a bountiful place, they will return home to their nests and report the finding - before you know it, your whole pantry is a buffet for ants! The problem could get even worse if a piece of food falls somewhere and begins to rot. Similarly, fruit and vegetables you bring into your home may be harboring unseen pests waiting to hatch.
Dorm rooms are a space that you can make your own while you're at college. You can decorate them and make them as cozy as you'd like so that it reminds you of home while you're away. However, this cozy home away from home becomes less comforting when you notice bed bugs crawling around your floor or resting in your bed with you. Consider these tips to keep bed bugs out of your dorm room.
