Carpet beetles are a common pest that are known for infesting homes. These beetles get their name from their habit of snacking on carpet and fabric items. Knowing what you’re up against can help you to keep these pests out of your home. We’ve gathered information about carpet beetles to help you identify and eliminate an infestation.
What Do Carpet Beetles Look Like?
Adult carpet beetles vary in color, depending on the species. Some are solid black, and others have a mottled coloration with brown, white, or yellow markings. These bugs are oval in shape and have short antennae. They grow between 1/16"–1/8". Carpet beetle larvae grow between 1/8"–1/4". They have a tan body and are covered in hair.
What Do Carpet Beetles Eat?
Adult carpet beetles feed on the nectar and pollen from plants. The larvae feed on natural fibers found in fabrics such as wool, fur, leather, and silk. They usually aren’t attracted to synthetic material unless the fabric has food stains. Some carpet beetle species will feed on pantry items as well.
Where Do Carpet Beetles Live?
Adult carpet beetles are often spotted outside, close to their food sources. They make their way indoors on flowers or through open doors and windows. Because they are attracted to sunlight, they will hang out near windows in your home. When eggs hatch, larvae are already positioned near their food sources. They can be found in carpets and rugs. They may also hide on pieces of furniture that contain natural fibers. Larvae like to hide in secluded, dark areas.
Are Carpet Beetles Dangerous?
Adult carpet beetles are a nuisance, but they won’t bite and aren’t harmful. One carpet beetle can lay between 50–100 eggs in its lifetime, which can cause infestations to grow quickly. When larvae are present, their feeding can damage carpets, rugs, clothing, and upholstered furniture. The hair on their bodies may also irritate your skin.
How to Prevent Carpet Beetles
Implementing preventative techniques can help to keep carpet beetles from taking over your space. Check out a few tips to help prevent carpet beetles.
- Properly Store Your Items: Before storing clothes or blankets, you’ll want to wash them or have them dry cleaned. The heat will help to kill any carpet beetles hiding on your items. After washing your items, you can place them in a container that has a tight-fitting lid. This will help to keep carpet beetles away from them.
- Check Plants & Items for Bugs: Adult carpet beetles may hitch a ride on plants or other items. Before bringing in flowers or plants, check them for these pests. You’ll also want to examine upholstered furniture and clothing for carpet beetles.
- Seal Cracks & Gaps: To keep carpet beetles from sneaking inside, you’ll want to seal potential entry points. Check for cracks or gaps where bugs can enter your home, and seal them with caulk. Cracks in door and window frames and gaps near utility lines are common pest entry sites.
How to Get Rid of Carpet Beetles
If carpet beetles have invaded your home, you’ll want to take steps to get them to leave. We’ve made a list of tips to help you get rid of these pests.
- Vacuum: Vacuuming your home regularly can help to remove carpet beetles from your space. You can also use your vacuum to clean your furniture. Empty the contents of the vacuum into a sealed bag before discarding the bag in an outdoor trash bin.
- Wash & Dry Fabric Items: If carpet beetles are snacking on your clothes, you’ll want to toss them in the washer and dryer. Using hot water and a high heat setting on the dryer will help to kill these pests.
- Discard Food: Because some carpet beetle species infest food items, you’ll want to check your pantry or cabinets for these pests. Dispose of any contaminated items, and wipe down the shelves. Storing your food in containers with secure lids can help to protect it from these beetles and other pantry pests.
- Use Pest Control Products: Using an insecticide dust can help to get rid of carpet beetles. Our Spider & Insect Dust and our Bed Bug Killer dust are labeled to control these pests. You’ll want to apply the dust underneath of rugs and along the edges of carpets and baseboards. The dust may be applied using the puffer bottle or with a craft or paintbrush. Using a brush will make it easier to apply the dust to cracks and crevices.
No one wants carpet beetles snacking on their things. Knowing what you’re up against will make it easier to prevent and control an infestation. If you’re dealing with carpet beetles or other bugs, we want to help! Check out our Maggie’s Farm Simply Effective™ Pest Control products for a more environmental and family-friendly solution when used as directed.