If you’ve noticed damage to the fabric , it could be a sign of destructive carpet beetles. It’s not always easy to tell if you have a carpet beetle infestation, but with a little know-how, you can identify and get rid of those pesky carpet beetles in your home.
What Are Carpet Beetles?
Carpet beetles aren’t any one species of insect, but are actually many different species that engage in similar behaviors. The most are:
- Varied carpet beetles – The most common type in the United States, varied carpet beetles are just 1/16 of an inch long with distinct patterning of white, yellow, orange, and brown splotches.
- Furniture carpet beetles – Furniture carpet beetles resemble varied carpet beetles, measuring about 1/16 to 1/8 inch in size. The only discernible differences are that furniture carpet beetles are slightly larger and more rounded and lack clubs at the ends of their antennae.
- Black carpet beetles – These carpet beetles are solid black in color and measure about 3/16 of an inch in length.
While you’re likely to spot these adult beetles around your windows as they attempt to escape, it’s carpet beetle larvae that are responsible for causing damage around the home. Appearance differs from species to species, but carpet beetle larvae can be recognized for their worm-like appearance and generally measure about 1/8 of an inch long. The larvae are covered in bristly hair that can irritate the skin if handled. It can take over a year for carpet beetle larvae to reach maturity, during which time they can eat up your furniture, carpeting, hunting trophies, blankets, and clothing.
How Did I Get Carpet Beetles?
Carpet beetles enter the home in one of two ways; as invaders, or as hitchhikers. Because of their particularly small size, carpet beetles are able to squeeze in through the smallest of openings. Tears in screens or gaps around windows and doors can provide the perfect entrance. Carpet beetles may also just fly inside through an open door. Once indoors, adult carpet beetles lay their eggs on furniture and other fabric-covered objects.
It’s also common for carpet beetles to enter the home in pre-infested secondhand items. Furniture, carpeting, and old clothes may all host hungry carpet beetle larvae which can then destroy other fabric-based items in your home.
How To Prevent Carpet Beetles
It’s not always easy to . But by following some tried-and-true carpet beetle prevention tips, you can help to protect your furniture and fabric-based belongings from needless damage. Some prevention tips you can try are:
- Preventing entry – Be aware of open doors as you enter and exit your home. Repair or replace any damaged screens. Seal cracks or gaps around doors and windows with silicone caulk.
- Checking secondhand items – Thoroughly examine any secondhand furniture, hunting trophies, or clothing. Use a credit card to scrape the fabric, or use a flashlight to expose any hidden larvae.
- Sweeping and vacuuming – Carpet beetle larvae will also feed on dust and pet hair in your home. Clean your floors often to remove any materials that larvae can eat.
- Keep clothing safe – Store any out-of-season coats, jackets, or other clothing in sturdy plastic bins or other secure containers. Wash blankets and comforters regularly .
Left to their own devices, carpet beetle larvae can thrive in your Scottsdale home. They’ll gladly chow on pet hair and fabric for months until they reach adulthood. That’s why the best thing to do about carpet beetles in your home is to call the pros at Green Home Pest Control. Contact us today to learn more about our options.
Request Your Free Estimate Today
Complete the form below to request your no obligation estimate.
21 years of pest control experience
Founder and Owner of Green Home Pest Control
13 year resident of Arizona
