Carpet beetles are small oval shaped insects, as their name depicts these are often inhabit carpets and other surfaces. As the larvae beetles cause damage to carpets while the adult ones found outside and and consume flower pollen. They vary in color depending on the type, ranges from black, orange and red while the common one are speckled colored. Having high rate of reproduction, a female carpet beetle can lay up to 90 eggs, thus making early detection and extermination most important.
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Introduction
Carpet beetles most often enter the homes by flying through the open windows and doors, specially during the season of summer and spring. Another way of getting entry to homes is through the potted plants. Sometimes you can find them around the windowsills. Before knowing, that how to get rid of carpet beetles its also very important to find out what is drawing them indoors.
Carpet beetles have hairs all over their body and small in size, their larvae having arrow-shaped hairs causes skin irritations and allergies to humans. These bugs are also known for their damage to leather, wool, silk and other natural fiber materials.
Main Spots Where you can find carpet beetles:
If we talk about the adult beetles they mostly found in windowsills, curtains and in plants. Young larvae which are the primary cause of damage to carpets and rugs are found mostly in darker areas of your room or hall.
How to do identification of Carpet Beetles and Larvae
Fully mature beetles are having oval shape and small size even less than 1/8″. They are scaled with hard wings. If we talk about their color, beetles have shades of mottled browns and creams and some of them having solid brown or black color. Carpet beetles are difficult to spot and they lay eggs commonly on woolen fabric and carpet fibers.
If we talk about the larvae, they are having length in between 1/8″ and 1/4″. Though they have tiny legs but they mostly crawl and do not prefer the bright environments. Larvae eats protein-rich foods, beside creating massive destruction by feasting the carpets and natural fibers. Its very difficult to identify them, due to the same color of food they are eating and and of themselves. These beetles can also be present on taxidermist animals, on fur or feathers and wool.
How to Spot Infestation caused by Beetles
Larvae and eggs are very difficult to see with naked eye, especially when between the fibers of a thick carpet or area rug. Small holes in upholstery or cushions and an uneven nap in a rug could be the sign of infestation. if there are enlarged holes or even large distressed area, so it means larvae have been moved through an area.
It is always recommended that if you find any sign of infestation, so go for inspect between carpet fibers. Its better to check window sills, furnishings and curtains and exposed them daily to sunlight. Always keep an eye on adult beetles and larvae as well. If you find some beetles in your home and there is significant damage also, so its time to get rid of carpet beetles.
So the steps are as follows:
How to get rid of Carpet Beetles
1. Vacuuming
One of the most effective way of preventing and getting rid of carpet beetles is regular vacuuming. If there is any upholstered furniture, use the crevice tool for vacuuming purpose so that no nook or corner left. Following places must be kept in mind while vacuuming:
- Windowsills particularly in spring season, when large beetles relax in the sunlight.
- Under all furniture of your home, counting beds and couches.
- In Pantry (when there are flour or grains)
- In closets having natural fiber clothes
2. Vinegar or Mist Essential Oils
- Mix equal proportion of white vinegar and water, it will be naturally effective solution against the carpet beetles. Spray bottle can be use for lightly coating your carpets.
- Mix two oils (few drops of peppermint and clove oils), into a spray bottle with water and misting should be done on areas having carpet beetles or even larvae.
3. Steam cleaning
- Similar to vacuuming, stem cleaning also helps a lot in sucking up the larvae and eggs if any.
- All infested area should be covered, and practice this process at regular intervals.
- Its also a safe way to deal with fabrics and furnishings of your home.
4. Diatomaceous Earth
- Its another natural way to deal with beetles infestation. Any insect that will walk through the powder will die.
- For best results, sprinkle this power around the feet of your furniture, and leave it uninterrupted for 24 to 48 hours.
5. Chemical Treatment
- Aerosols and sprays can be used as chemical treatment for the areas infested by carpet beetles.
- Insect Killer granules can be sprinkled around the points of entry like doorways, vents and windows.
- Moreover, a professional heavy duty cleaner can also be used for deep cleaning the home.
| Method | Application Areas |
| Vacuuming | Windowsills (especially in spring), under furniture (beds, couches), pantry (if flour or grains present), closets with natural fiber clothes |
| Vinegar or Mist Essential Oils | Carpets, infested areas. |
| Steam Cleaning | Infested areas (carpets, furniture). |
| Diatomaceous Earth | Around furniture legs and infested areas. |
| Chemical Treatment | Infested areas, points of entry. |
Summary
It is thumb rule that once beetles infested your home they will not go anywhere on their own. The longer they stay at your home, the more they populate. These are some natural and chemical remedies for avoiding infestation by beetles or eggs, larvae and even adult carpet beetles. These methods are also safe for the home with children or pets.
Conclusion
Carpet beetles are among the most common pests to infest homes, with varied carpet beetles and furniture carpet beetles being particularly damaging. Adult beetles, including adult black carpet beetles and adult varied carpet beetles, are attracted to light and can easily enter your home. Carpet beetles like natural fibers and lay their carpet beetle eggs near a food source, such as upholstered furniture or wool. Carpet beetles feed on these materials, and their larvae, like woolly bears, can cause serious carpet beetle damage. If infested with carpet beetles, identifying a carpet beetle infestation early is key to pest management. Vacuum your home regularly, use apple cider vinegar and water as a natural carpet beetle killer, and seek help from a professional pest control expert if needed to get rid of carpet beetles and prevent future infestations.
FAQ
Carpet beetles are attracted to natural fibers like wool, silk, and fur, often feeding on lint, pet hair, and dead insects. Poor cleaning habits can lead to infestations, especially in dark and undisturbed areas of the home.
To get rid of carpet beetles, start by vacuuming carpets, furniture, and storage areas to remove any larvae and eggs. Wash infested fabrics in hot water and treat affected areas with insecticide or natural repellents like vinegar. Regular cleaning and proper storage of fabrics can help prevent them from coming back.
Carpet beetles usually come from outdoors, where they feed on plants and flowers. They can get into homes through open windows, doors, or by hitching a ride on items like furniture and clothing.
Carpet beetles feed on natural materials like wool, silk, and fur, as well as pet hair and lint. They can also snack on pantry items like grains and cereals.
Yes, carpet beetles tend to be more active during spring and summer when they come inside to lay eggs. They love warm weather and natural fibers, but if conditions are right, they can stick around all year.
