Carpet beetles, also known as skin beetles, are small, oval-shaped pests that infest not only carpets, but other animal materials such as wool, fur, felt, silk, feathers, skins, and leather. Adult carpet beetles are primarily found outside consuming flower pollen, but they will fly into a home and leave larvae to reap havoc on your rugs, carpets, and other keratin-infused materials. In fact, some variety of carpet beetles can even infest seeds, cereals, pet food, and other plant-based materials. They can be found virtually anywhere in your home, making them quite the challenge to eliminate.
How do you know when you have a carpet beetle problem?
If you have an infestation of carpet beetles in your home, you’ll notice these signs:
- Hairy, worm-like larvae on your floors, in your carpet, or around your kitchen.
- Holes in your natural fiber items and clothes, such as sweaters, scarves, coats, blankets, rugs, down pillows, comforters, upholstery, toys, decorative items, and taxidermy mounts.
- An accumulation of adult beetles around your windows in the spring.
What attracts carpet beetles?
- Light, especially at nighttime.
- Open doors and windows, especially if they are screenless
- An accumulation of dead insects piling up in your garage or behind your furniture.
- Easy access to natural fibers
- Fresh flowers in your home
- Food sources in your carpets and rugs, such as pet and human hair, seeds, grains, flour, etc.
- Dirty laundry
- Old furniture
How do you get rid of these pests?
Prevention is Key!
- One of the best ways to keep carpet beetles away is make sure all susceptible items are dry-cleaned or laundered before being stored away for extended periods of time. Cleaning not only kills the larvae that may be present, it also eliminates odors caused from perspiration that can act as an attractant. Make sure your items are stored in tight-fitting plastic bags or containers.
- Moth balls, flakes, or crystals are another preventative measure that is effective at keeping these pests away. Just be sure to carefully read and follow the directions, as this product can be hazardous if used incorrectly. Never scatter them in open closets or areas where pets and children can reach them.
- Protect your valuable garments from infestations by storing them in cold vaults. This is a service that is typically offered by some department stores and furriers.
- Purchase rugs and furniture made from synthetic materials.
- Keep an eye out for bird nests around your home and in your attic.
- The last way to prevent carpet beetles is to clean and sanitize! Vacuum your home regularly, especially on windowsills and in places where bugs like to hide, such as along edges of carpets, along baseboards, underneath furniture and stored items, and inside closets and vents. Always wash your clothes regularly and keep your home clean, sanitized, and free of any stains and spills as much as possible!
What to do if you already have carpet beetles in your home?
1. Locate Infested Items
Carpet beetles hide in dark, undisturbed areas where items are stored for long periods. Check:
- Clothing seams, folds, and creases
- Lower edges of carpets
- Inside and under upholstered furniture
- Floor vents and ducts with pet hair or lint
Once found, launder, dry-clean, or discard infested items. Bag heavily infested pieces before disposal to prevent spreading. Vacuum all affected spots to kill larvae and stop future outbreaks.
2. Use Insecticides Carefully
Insecticides work well on rugs and carpets. Choose sprays labeled for flea control or fabric insect prevention. When applying:
- Focus on carpet edges and wall-floor junctions
- Treat beneath furniture and at closet bottoms
⚠️ Do not spray insecticides on bedding or clothing.
Last, one of the best options for getting rid of carpet beetles is finding a pest control company that specializes in Integrated Pest Management, or IPM. These companies offer multiple solutions for most pest problems and will help pinpoint and troubleshoot your carpet beetle problem while offering you a pest-free home and peace of mind.
Say Goodbye to Carpet Beetles for Good
Carpet beetles may be small, but they can cause big problems for your home and belongings. From damaging clothes and carpets to invading hidden spaces, these pests thrive when left unchecked. The good news? With the right mix of prevention, cleaning, and treatment, you can stop them in their tracks.
Don’t let carpet beetles ruin your comfort or peace of mind. Keep your home fresh, clean, and pest-free with regular care and when the job feels overwhelming, let the experts handle it. Schedule a professional cleaning with Safe-Dry® Carpet Cleaning today and protect your carpets, rugs, and upholstery from unwanted invaders.