CARPET BEETLE PREVENTION & IDENTIFICATION

What are carpet beetles?

A carpet beetle infestation is the last thing you want in your home. Common carpet beetles love to hide in carpets, clothes, and food items.

 Carpet beetles thrive in dark areas, but it is their larvae that do the most damage. The larvae love to eat animal products and natural materials like leather, fur, wool, silk, feathers, and dead insects. The larval stage can last three months to two years, depending on the species.

An adult beetle can be as small as 2 mm in length and as long as 4.7 mm. Female carpet beetles lay anywhere between 25 and 100 eggs that take about two weeks to hatch.

Besides the common carpet beetle, there are three species commonly found in the United States.

Black carpet beetles

Black carpet beetles don’t reproduce well in humid areas. You can often find this jet-black beetle in the northern states. You can’t miss them, as they often leave large holes in fabrics.

Furniture carpet beetle

The furniture carpet beetle has round scales in various colors. This beetle, as the name suggests, likes eating through upholstered furniture. The furniture carpet beetle spends the shortest time in the larval stage.

Varied carpet beetle

The varied carpet beetle has mismatched white, brown, and dark yellow scales. When the scales wear off, this beetle appears brown or black.

Are carpet beetles dangerous?

Though carpet beetles may not be dangerous to humans, they certainly are to your favorite fabrics. They can leave your shirts threadbare and holes in your rugs. They won’t eat synthetic materials, but your fur, felt, wool, and silk items are fair game. Carpet beetles also feed on animal hair and dryer lint.

 While carpet beetles may not bite, their shells and bristly hairs can irritate your skin and lead to an allergic reaction. This carpet beetle rash can leave your skin feeling red and itchy and appears similar to bed bug bites.

 If you find dead carpet beetles in your food containers, you will have to throw the whole package away to be safe.

Why do I have a carpet beetle problem?

Carpet beetles love feasting on household items like furniture, clothes, and carpets. The organic materials that make up these goods also attract pests like moths and bed bugs.

 Adult carpet beetles can easily fly inside through open doors and windows and lay eggs. Also, check the used furniture and clothing you bring into your house. They might carry carpet beetles. 

 Thoroughly cleaning the inside and outside of your house is a great way to ward off carpet beetles. Pay extra close attention to stains on carpets and couches.

Where will I find carpet beetles?

The dark, undisturbed areas of your home are the most likely places to find carpet beetles. You can also find them hiding in organic materials out in the open.

 For example, rugs and clothing hidden away in a basement or attic make excellent places for carpet beetles to feed. You can also find them and their larvae on the edges of rugs and carpets, toys, blankets, and comforters. They also live in the folds of upholstered furniture. 

 If you have any taxidermied goods, their fur makes a great feeding ground for carpet beetles. Anything containing animal fur or skin is something carpet beetles will enjoy. Make sure to check them on occasion to be sure they aren’t playing host to these pests.

How do I get rid of carpet beetles?

Trying to treat your home for carpet beetles can be a daunting task, especially if you don’t eradicate the problem the first time around. Instead of handling the problem all on your own, Phenom Pest Protection can help you.

 We are a local, family-owned business committed to offering you the best service and results. Our team of certified pest specialists has the experience, knowledge, and tools to get rid of your carpet beetle infestation.

 We believe that every customer should receive treatment perfectly tailored to their needs. Unlike other pest control companies, we will customize a treatment plan for your home.

 If you need a carpet beetle control service, call Phenom Pest Protection today!

How can I prevent carpet beetles in the future?

In addition to our home pest control and commercial pest control services, protect your property from pests with the following prevention tips:

Exterior tips

• Make sure you have mesh door and window screens to keep adult carpet beetles out
• Check for signs of carpet beetles in your plants and gardens
• Clean up any dead insects or animals in your yard that may attract carpet beetles
• If you’re storing old clothes or furniture outside, don’t put them against the walls of the house

Interior tips

• Check highly-susceptible items for carpet beetle activity
• Frequently vacuum carpets, floors, and inside of heating vents to get rid of larvae
• Make sure food is stored and sealed properly
• Launder or dry clean fabric items before storing them for long periods

Matt B.

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