Say Goodbye to Carpet Beetles: Tips to Protect Your Home

Carpet beetles might be small, but the damage they cause can be anything but. These tiny pests can wreak havoc on your rugs, carpets, and fabrics, leaving behind holes, frayed edges, and frustration. If you’ve spotted these unwelcome guests, don’t panic—there are steps you can take to identify, prevent, and remove carpet beetles before they make themselves too comfortable.

What Are Carpet Beetles?

Carpet beetles are oval-shaped and small, measuring between 2.5 and 5 millimeters. Black carpet beetles are solid black, while common carpet beetles sport orange and white spots. They may look harmless, even button-like, but don’t be fooled—the real troublemakers are their larvae.

Carpet beetle larvae are hairy, worm-like creatures that cause most of the fabric damage. Their larval stage can last from 70 to over 300 days, giving them plenty of time to chew through clothing, rugs, and upholstery. They thrive in dark, undisturbed places like closets, under furniture, and beneath floorboards. If you notice tiny holes in fabric or uneven fur lines, you might have a carpet beetle problem.

How to Prevent a Carpet Beetle Infestation

1. Keep It Clean Regular cleaning is your best defense against carpet beetles. Vacuum carpets, rugs, and upholstered furniture frequently, paying extra attention to hidden or undisturbed areas like closets, under rugs, and behind furniture. Cleaning removes potential food sources, like lint and pet hair, where beetles might lay their eggs.
2. Inspect and Protect Carpet beetles often hitch a ride into your home on flowers, plants, or other items brought indoors. Inspect these items carefully before bringing them inside. Exposing rugs and fabrics to sunlight can also help, as beetles prefer dark, protected environments.
3. Check Air Ducts If you’re still battling carpet beetles despite your efforts, inspect your air ducts. These can sometimes harbor pests and serve as a hidden source of infestations.
4. Act Quickly Spotting the first signs of an infestation? Act immediately. Vacuum thoroughly, launder affected fabrics and consider storing items in sealed containers to prevent further damage.

When to Call for Reinforcements

If your cleaning efforts aren’t enough to stop the invasion, it may be time to bring in professional help. Pest control services can provide targeted solutions, including pesticides, to eliminate carpet beetles and reduce the risk of future infestations.