In the past years, textile- eating insects were common due to the large amount of wool fibers in clothing and home furnishings. The popularity and widespread use of synthetic fibers has led to the incorrect assumption that insect damage is a thing of the past. Clothes moths and carpet beetles can digest protein fibers such as wool, silk and specialty hairs, but these insects will also attack synthetic fibers if they contain protein substances. This means that carpet, rugs, draperies and upholstery made from nylon acrylic, polyester, acetate and other synthetics can be damaged if they contain food or beverage stains, blood, urine, perspiration or other sources of nutritional protein.
Firebrats and silverfish are also textile pests that attack carbohydrates. They eat the paste on wallpaper and bookbindings as well as starched clothing. Termites digest cellulosic materials including wood and carpet backings in addition to yarns made of jute, cotton, and kraftcord.
The most effective way to prevent an infestation and inhibit growth is to keep textile furnishings clean. Spills should be removed immediately. Carpet, rugs, draperies, upholstery etc. should be brushed or vacuumed regularly, as insects do not generally attack clean materials. Regular dry cleaning of these articles will also decrease the chances infestation because dry cleaning solvent is toxic to most textile pests. Similarly. Regular carpet cleaning will remove the nutritional contaminants that can attract and support insects.