Have you noticed wear and tear in your furniture, carpets, and clothing? Moths might not be the problem.
Carpet beetles are one of the most common household pests and can cause similar damage as moths.
Learn more about these pesky beetles in this guide and discover how to get rid of them if you find an infestation in your home.
What Are Carpet Beetles?
Carpet beetles are small beetles that feed on materials commonly found in carpets and other furniture. Some of the materials they feed on include:
- Woolen upholstery
- Feathers
- Fur
- Wool
- Silk
- Linen
- Cotton
- Animal Dander
- Insects
Because the list of materials that they can consume is so extensive, many households provide a ripe environment for a carpet beetle infestation. One single female carpet beetle can lay 30-100 eggs, meaning that an infestation can quickly develop.
They are oval-shaped and generally no larger than an inch and as small as 1/16 inch. They can be found worldwide.
Carpet beetle infestations can begin with just one beetle flying into your home. They can also enter your home on pets or clothing.
Carpet beetles thrive in warm environments, so their development may slow down in the winter months in unheated areas of your house.
How to Avoid Carpet Beetles
The best thing you can do to spare your furniture from the damage that comes from carpet beetles is to avoid an infestation in the first place.
The most effective prevention method is to regularly vacuum your carpets and furniture. Cleaning carpets and other furniture can remove larvae while also removing materials that the beetles can feed on.
Installing screens on the windows and doors of your home can also prevent adult beetles from entering your home and laying eggs.
If you are storing clothing for long periods of time, be sure to wash and dry it to remove any larvae that might be on the fabric. Once you have washed the clothing, store it in an airtight container and check it periodically for signs of carpet beetles.
Mothballs can also help to repel carpet beetles. Use them in your closets and any storage containers used for clothing or other linens.
Signs of a Carpet Beetle Infestation
Even while taking great caution, you can sometimes find yourself battling a carpet beetle infestation anyway.
The most obvious sign of a carpet beetle infestation is seeing the beetles themselves in your home. However, if you just see one beetle, it may not yet be an infestation. Larvae, on the other hand, are the telltale sign of an infestation.
If you aren’t able to see the beetles or larvae themselves, you may notice damage to your carpets and other upholstered furniture. Carpet beetles can damage your clothes much like moths. In fact, sometimes the damage they cause is mistakenly identified as caused by moths.
Some people may experience an allergic reaction if they come in contact with carpet beetle larvae. This can cause a rash to form that looks like bites. You may also experience:
- Itchy and watery eyes
- Runny nose
- Itchy skin
- Hives
Luckily, you don’t have to worry about carpet beetle bites. Carpet beetles are scavengers and won’t bite humans.
How to Get Rid of a Carpet Beetle Infestation
If you are struggling to manage a carpet beetle infestation, you will want to get it under control as quickly as possible to eliminate the damage that they can inflict.
Here are some common ways that you can control a carpet beetle infestation in your home.
Perform a Deep Cleaning
The first step in controlling a carpet beetle infestation is to vacuum thoroughly to remove adult beetles and larvae. Not only should you vacuum carpets, but also curtains, cushions, and furniture throughout your entire house. You might also choose to steam clean carpets and other fabrics.
You should also wash all fabrics, including sheets, blankets, and towels with high heat. This should remove any lingering beetles and prevent further infestation. Remember to wash items in your closets.
Try Natural Remedies
Some natural remedies may help to control an infestation and prevent future infestations from occurring. Applying apple cider vinegar to the affected area using a spray bottle can deter carpet beetles without posing any risk to your family.
Diatomaceous earth is made from fossilized remains of tiny organisms and dries out the exoskeleton of common household pests including carpet beetles. Sprinkle the powder on the infected area and vacuum after it has been sitting for a few hours. Make sure to select the food-grade product so that it’s safe for humans and pets.
Spray an Insecticide
You might choose to spray an insecticide in your home to kill any carpet beetles that have not been removed through cleaning. Look for products that are labeled as treatments for carpet beetles and follow instructions carefully.
If you are using an insecticide, take special care to make sure that one is safe for indoor use. If you have pets or young children, chemical solutions might not be the safest option for controlling an infestation.
Call a Pest Control Company
Attempting to DIY pest control can be grueling. You can spend all day cleaning and doing laundry only for the infestation to persist. Save yourself the trouble and seek assistance from a pest control service.
Professional pest control companies will have top-grade equipment and supplies to effectively rid your home of the carpet beetle infestation. The best part is that you won’t have to spend your whole weekend vacuuming.
Get Rid of Carpet Beetles Once and For All
If you have noticed carpet beetles in your home, don’t prolong your suffering. With these tips and tricks, you can get rid of carpet beetles and keep your home pest-free.
Elevate Pest Control is a family-owned company with the best guarantee in the business. If you aren’t satisfied with the services, we will come back at no additional cost until you are satisfied.
Contact us today to get rid of your carpet beetles once and for all.
