Pests like insects and rodents are often attracted to wood, paper, and fabric because these materials provide them with food, shelter, and the right conditions to survive and reproduce. Each of these materials offers something specific that helps certain pests thrive, and understanding these preferences can help you prevent infestations in your home or business.

How Wood Attracts Pests

Wood, especially when it’s damp or untreated, attracts a range of pests:

• Termites feed on the cellulose in wood, which is a main component of a tree’s structure. Cellulose is a carbohydrate that gives plants strength and energy, and some pests have special bacteria in their stomachs that help break it down for food.
• Carpenter ants don’t eat wood, but tunnel through it to create nests. Soft, decayed, or moist wood is easier for them to excavate.
• Wood-boring beetles such as powderpost beetles also lay eggs in cracks in wood. When the larvae hatch, they eat the wood as they grow.

Wood creates a cozy, hidden environment with protection from predators and the elements, allowing pests to thrive undisturbed.

Why Paper Appeals to Pests

Paper, made from plant fibers, naturally attracts pests for several reasons:

• Silverfish love starchy substances, and paper—especially with glue or adhesives—is a food source for them. They’ll feed on the fibers and any organic residues.
• Cockroaches will eat almost anything, including paper, and will often hide in cluttered piles of newspapers or cardboard boxes because it offers dark, protective hiding spots.
• Moist or damp paper, such as books or cardboard stored in a basement, is especially attractive because many pests are drawn to humid environments.

Paper clutter also creates nests and pathways for pests to travel without being seen, increasing the risk of a hidden infestation.

How Fabric Becomes a Target for Pests

Fabrics, especially those made of natural materials like wool, silk, or cotton, are vulnerable to certain pests:

• Moths (specifically their larvae) will eat holes into natural fibers. They are attracted to fabric that has traces of sweat, oils, or food particles, which add nutrition.
• Carpet beetles and their larvae also feed on keratin, a protein found in animal hair and fibers, making wool carpets and clothing a target.
• Stored clothing, blankets, or fabric in dark, undisturbed areas—like closets or attics—are rarely moved, creating a perfect, hidden buffet for these insects.

Synthetic fabrics are less appealing but can still be damaged if blended with natural fibers or soiled with food or organic stains.

What Makes These Materials So Attractive Compared to Others?

• Wood, paper, and fabric are all from natural sources and often contain cellulose, starch, or keratin, which many pests can digest but are hard for other creatures to eat.
• These materials can absorb moisture, creating damp areas ideal for pests who need water to survive.
• They provide excellent shelter — whether it’s the inside of a wooden beam, a pile of papers, or a stack of clothes, pests can hide from danger and harsh weather.

The combination of a food source, suitable living environment, and protection makes wood, paper, and fabric much more attractive to pests than metal, glass, or plastic.

Tips for Preventing Pest Problems with These Materials

• Keep wood surfaces dry and well-sealed; repair leaks and remove moisture quickly to discourage wood-eating pests.
• Reduce paper clutter; store important documents in airtight plastic bins and recycle unused newspapers and cardboard regularly.
• Wash and dry fabrics before storing; keep them in sealed containers or vacuum bags, and regularly clean out closets and storage spaces.
• Check for signs of pests—such as holes, droppings, or webbing—in hidden or undisturbed places at least a few times a year.

By understanding what attracts pests to these materials, you can take targeted action to protect your home and belongings.

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