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Something in my closet, maybe
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Posted by lme2376 (My Page) on Tue, Sep 26, 06 at 14:10
| Please I hope somene can help me!!! Most of my t-shirts hanging in my closet, have tiny holes in them!! I have not seen any bugs in the closet. All these holes are very small and are the same shape size and form. All in the same spot!! On the front of the shirt!! Around the belly button area! I thought it was my washing machine, since I have moved recently to a newly built condo and purchased a washing machine with a stainlees steal tub. But some of the shirts have been hand washed, so I am lost on this!! Like I said Iave not seen any bugs in the closet or evidence. I have however seen little "gnats" flying around in the master bath and the hall bath.
This is really driving me crazy!! My clothes are getting ruined!! I am beginning to think there is a ghost in my house!! And he is eating my clothes!! I wish I had a pic of the holes. I will try and get one uploaded. |
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: Something in my closet, maybe
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- Posted by byron 4a/5b NH (My Page) on
Mon, Oct 2, 06 at 17:12
| Sounds like clothes moths, At one time Moth balls were used Not sure what todays remedy is: Other than some red cedar oil or boards in closet.
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RE: Something in my closet, maybe
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- Posted by jean001 z8aPortland, OR (My Page) on
Mon, Oct 2, 06 at 22:49
| Typically, clothes mothes go to wool and silk. Most likely the T-shirts are cotton so not on their diet. That said, my sons' favorite T-shirts acquired small holes as a result of years long wear. Oh yeah -- forget the cedar because it works only if it lines a chest which is securely closed. |
RE: Something in my closet, maybe
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| The exact same thing is happening to me. It is driving me crazy!! It's only my shirts, not my husbands!! The holes are in the same spot on every shirt. In the front around the belly button area. It's the craziest thing. I've checked my seat belt to see if something was snagging the shirts. I've checked my jeans to see if the shirts were catching on it. I don't know what it is!! Someone please help!! |
RE: Something in my closet, maybe
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| Ditto! I too have found more and more little tiny holes on the bottom front of cotton t-shirts and tank tops - at first I thought my son was cutting my shirts! I have not seen evidence of any pests - but tried moth balls and the only thing it fumigated was me! There are more each week! Have you made any progress with this mystery? Thanks~ |
RE: Something in my closet, maybe
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| My 11 year old son's tshirts that are hung in his closet have the tiny holes on the bottom of the back. Have found some with holes also in his chest of drawers. I keep a very clean home and have recently took everything out of the closet and chest of drawers and washed all the clothes and washed down all shelves and vacuumed really good. And still I find more holes. We live in Ohio, our house is a slab foundation. We have a bad moisture problem in the winter. We have to run a dehumidifier all winter. I'm wondering if there is a link betweem the moisture and sometime of mite that is impossible to see. Does anyone else with this problem also have a moisture problem in their house ? |
RE: Something in my closet, maybe
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Until about 6 months ago, this was not a problem for me. Now I am finding 2-3 small holes in the front bottom of all my t-shirts-even the new ones. If it is moths or humidity, the holes would appear in several areas. If it was the way I washed or stored my t-shirts, this would not be happening to a brand new shirt! And furthermore, why is it only happening to my shirts- not my husband or my 4 children. I am perplexed and very upset that I need to buy new shirts constantly to no avail.
If anyone can think of a new way to research this, I would be so grateful. |
RE: Something in my closet, maybe
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| Help. Me too! I fold all my T's a specific way and all the mini holes appear around the belly button area. I've removed all my clothes and refolded them back into place and saw nothing out of the ordinary. All my T's affected are made of cotton. Microbes? Moths? Ghosts? Anyone with ideas and a remedy please help. |
RE: Something in my closet, maybe
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| There is also another query posted on this issue in the laundry room forum titled "Holes in clothing". I have posted my detailed response there. Please have a look as it may help. |
RE: Something in my closet, maybe
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| do you women have belly rings? i ask that because my wife's would catch her shirt and cause this same thing. |
i finally found the answer and the pest
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| my wifes shirts almost all of them had the hole around the belly area for the last three months, so we took everything out of the closet for about one week and then there it was the eggs of the beetles hatched in the closet, and then they started dying because no more food chain, they are very small almost 1/8 to 3/16 in size, since i found one i was able to do a extencive search on the internet and found a web site which had the picture on it and it is a perfect match take my word for it, we had a wool floor skin and we got rid of it. this insect is what causes the holes around the belly. Prevention
Housekeeping is important. Regular, thorough removal of lint eliminates insect breeding places. Pay particular attention to rugs, carpets (especially next to walls), upholstered furniture, closets, shelves, radiators (and the space under and behind them), registers and ducts, baseboards, moldings, corners, and floor cracks. Inspect clothing and storage areas in the fall and spring for potential infestations. Also periodically check that windows and airducts are properly screened to help prevent the entry of insects. Dry clean or launder clothing before storing as carpet beetles are more apt to infest soiled material. Store clothing in tight boxes or chests. It is generally not advisable to use plastic bags. Although they may not harm clothing during short-term storage (several months) long-term storage could result in damage to clothing due to moisture problems or potential reactions between the plastic and the fabric. Place mothballs or crystals (naphthalene) or part of a no-pest strip (dichlorvos) with the clothes in storage container. The smell of naphthalene may be difficult to remove from clothing. Dry clean clothing again before wearing to help remove any odor. No-pest strips may be difficult to find in stores. Cedar chips, although popular as an insect repellent, do not effectively deter carpet beetles. Get rid of or properly store remnants or scraps of wool, fur, fleece, and other material. Woolen garments and less expensive furs can be stored in a closet used for that purpose only. A no-pest strip hung in a closed closet will protect the garments for 3 to 4 months. One no-pest strip protects 1,000 square feet. Cut it into smaller pieces if the storage area is smaller. Do not use scissors or knives used to cut no-pest strips on food or food packaging. Control
If you find the larvae or their shed skins, inspect your home thoroughly. If insect numbers are low, you generally can handle the control yourself. However, local pest control operators have the experience, training, and equipment to do an effective job when excessive numbers of insects over a large area are present. If you tackle the job yourself, start with a thorough search— of stored woolens in chests, boxes, and closets;
of remnants of flannel, wool, fleece, or felt in closets, attics, and basements;
under covers of upholstered furniture;
in lint that accumulates in floor cracks, registers, or cold air ducts;
under rugs, carpets, and pads—especially around edges or under seldom-moved furniture;
under baseboards, moldings, and trim.
If the infestation is localized, remove infested material possible. Carpet beetle larvae and eggs can be killed by placing infested items in freezing temperatures for 48 hours. Clothing can also be dry cleaned or ironed. Then apply a suitable insecticide to the storage area surfaces. |
Here is a link that might be useful: Insect Pest site
RE: Something in my closet, maybe
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| please let me know if the info i posted was helpfull for you. |
RE: Something in my closet, maybe
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| If these holes are only appearing on the bottom parts of the shirts, then I would suspect something about the way the shirt is being used/worn---like a belly button decoration, or the zipper of the pants snagging it, or something at work/school splashing on the shirt in that spot. Insects in a closet or drawer won't be picky about what part of the shirt they are chewing. |
RE: Something in my closet, maybe
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| I agree..why would bugs only eat in a certain part of the shirt?? I think the bug theory has got to go....! I think it is the seatbelt rubbing against the zipper or what ever. Since I have pulled my shirts out of the seatbealt I have had no holes! |
RE: Something in my closet, maybe
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| Maybe there's something living in your bellybutton......;-) |
RE: Something in my closet, maybe
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I have this same problem and it is driving me crazy. All cotton shirts, all small holes on the bottom front. No belly button jewelry or seat belt issues. There is definitely something eating the holes in the clothing. My neighbor has the same problem. It is very odd, but would love to know if someone understands the problem and can provide HELPFUL info.
Thanks.
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RE: Something in my closet, maybe
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| I have the same problem. The holes are only in my shirts not my husband or childrens. I used a very mild detergent and never use bleach. The holes are only in the front and towards the bottom. Usually cotton shirts. I started hand washing my shirts thinking it was from front loading washer. Now I found one in another shirt. So could it be the dryer. We have inspected it numerous times. Well, we just recieved our new washer. I quess I will find out. What an expensive mess this has become. |
RE: Something in my closet, maybe
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| There's been an ongoing discussion about this at the Laundry Forum. In fact they're on part 2. Try searching holes in clothes over there, but here's a link to get you started. |
Here is a link that might be useful: Holes in Clothing
RE: Something in my closet, maybe
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| Help! I have the same problem as everyone on this board has mentioned. I did have a pest control person come out and take a look but not even he could figure it out. All of my cotton shirts have little holes in the front of them and I don't wear belts or have a belly button ring. I suspect carpet beatles so I'm going to remove my carpet and put in laminate flooring but I really don't know what else to do! If you have any suggestions they would be greatly appreciated. |
RE: Something in my closet, maybe
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| Well.... I suppose one way to rule out bugs would be to apply a permethrin spray to at least some of your clothes (assuming you don't have cats; dogs are fine), and see if the damage stops. |
RE: Something in my closet, maybe
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| I have had this problem for about 5 years and to this date cannot figure it out. it drives me crazy....and i know i am not crazy....it only affects my cotton t-shirts especially the real thin ones. There is no rhyme or reasons....i have tried everything, from changing closet to keeping the shirts in plastic bags.....It is not the seatbelt and i don't have a ring on my belly button. I do not have bugs coming out of my belly buttons.....i think it may be larva.....that are invisible to the naked eye.....and once you wash the item that is when the holes appear in clusters. They come in different shapes and always appear around the navel area. Why not anywhere else...It is baffling to me....but i am glad i am not alone.........i have cleaned my closet and i used moth balls....nothing works....i called them the mysterious holes....all my t-shirts are getting ruined....help...my husband and my kids clothes are fine...... |
RE: Something in my closet, maybe
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| This happens to me, too, and other females I know. What I believe is causing this is the zipper area. If you look at that spot, not the zipper, but the very top of the pants where the button is. A little point sticks out, you can see it if you turn sideways. Very hard to explain. But the bottom of the shirt is rubbing on this hard flap of material and causes the hole. How can it be bugs when most of us here are saying it only happens to some, not all, of the household members. If it were bugs causing the damage, would they discriminate on whose clothes they were eating? |
RE: Something in my closet, maybe
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| how do you explain the cluster of holes that are irregular in shapes....and if the zipper was the problem, it would happen to everyone in the family...your theory makes sense if it's just one little hole.... |
RE: Something in my closet, maybe
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| I am also having this problem! I do believe it is a infestation of something!!! it is only my clothes no one elses and I have purchased new clothes now worn still with tags on and this is happening. I cleaned out my cupboard and put moth balls and sachets in it. I have also put my clothes in my daughters cupboard and hence the same problem and with a new Lorna Jane T-shirt not even worn with tags on and all!!! I have the pest control ppl coming tomorrow so will let you all know if I find anything out! I got the best ones to come out! this becoming an expensive excersize and I veel like I am being sabotaged! and they are discrimating against me!!!! I will keep in touch... keep posting everyone until we get to the bottome of it! it is definately not seatbelts, belly rings etc! I can tell you all that for sure! |
RE: Something in my closet, maybe
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| It's good to know I'm not alone but it's not good that no one has a solution to this crazy problem. I'm experiencing all the same things...tiny holes in my t-shirts not my husband or daughters, Brand new washer and dryer. If its bugs I’m confused as to why only the t-shirts that I wear everyday and wash almost everyday? Yesterday, after reading a few postings I thought it had to be moths and I was going to wash everything in my chest drawers. When I started to pull out the t-shirts on the very bottom, that I never wear, I noticed that they didn't have any holes?! They looked brand new. So, the t-shirts that I wash all the time in hot water had lots of tiny holes. I'm not convinced it's moths and maybe the belt thing is more appropriate. Anyway, I'm spending a fortune on replacing my t-shirts every 3 months. I'm going back to my original plan to wash everything in hot water, disinfect my dresser drawers, leave it bare for a week and see if any bugs turn up. Let you know the outcome. It can't hurt to try. |
RE: Something in my closet, maybe
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| I have the same problem!! I have been dealing with this for a year now and I have come to the conclusion that it is from the button on my jeans. I tested this theory this week...I bought three brand new shirts, did not wash them before I wore them and 2 out of the three already have a hole in the same place within a few hours after wearing them. I dont wear loose shirts either so I know it rubs constantly. It has to be the jean's button rubbing against the thin cotton shirt. I don't know what else it could be so I am going to find some thin tank/cami shirts to wear under my t-shirts. Jen
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RE: Something in my closet, maybe
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Dito to everyone who has this x-files thing going on. I think we must send this info to Linda Multon Howe with Earth files, because this is a mystery. Why only us women, and not our husbands or kids cotton shirts? I have had an exterminator (didn't stop it) I am a very thoroughly clean person. No belly button peircing, and only recently started wearing my seat (shame on me.) I have cleaned out my drawers where I used to fold and place shirts, even placed lavendar (because it deters silverfish which was the only thing I knew eats cotton) and also placed silica normally found in shoe boxes, had collected those over the years, because like many of you that is how long this has lasted. Silica prevents moisture and mildew, didn't help, because I even hung my clothes in my closet and common logic finally told me this isn't a mite or bug because it is only eating in that certain belly button area.
The only thing that does sound a bit feasible is the jean button, but here is food for thought. Why when we were younger women, and I myself am 39, how come I never had this occur? this didn't start until about 4 years ago. Why didn't the jean button do this before? I have gained a few pounds since my second child, but am in no way very big to where my belly is protruding and my button or zipper could do this. Here is something else a cotton shirt I was wearing the other day for the second time, had one hole when I put it on, and I noticed that the fibers looked a little rubbed or worn, more delicate actually. A few hours later I noticed two new holes appeared. While I was wearing it. The shirt was loose fitting and not really near my button area. So? I am kinda freaked out by this because it appeared as I was wearing it. I am so fed up with this that I am just chalking it up to some weird sci-fi mystery and thinking maybe only us women have some weird chemical discharge or electro-magnetic thing happening from our bellies. I am just glad I'm not the only woman this is happening to and I don't feel as crazy. So has this happened to anyone while wearing the cotton shirt? My next venture is to take one of these shirts and have someone put it under a microsocpe, especially in the area where I notice the fibers look odd. |
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