Carpet beetles sound innocuous and tend to stay hidden in your home until you notice what they've left behind—like shed skins and other signs. They also have a voracious appetite. While carpet beetles don't bite, many people are sensitive to the bristles on their bodies.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into carpet beetle identification and effective home pest control measures—and when you should call a carpet beetle exterminator.
Identifying Carpet Beetles: Types, Sizes, And Characteristics
To effectively get rid of carpet beetles, you need to recognize them for what they are. Carpet beetles are small insects belonging to the family Dermestidae. They come in several species, but the most common ones you might encounter are the varied carpet beetle (Anthrenus verbasci), the black carpet beetle (Attagenus unicolor), and the furniture carpet beetle (Anthrenus flavipes).
Adult carpet beetles typically measure between 1/16 and 1/8 of an inch in length, making them quite diminutive. Their size might lead you to underestimate the damage they can cause. They have oval-shaped bodies covered in scales, giving them a distinctive appearance. The varied carpet beetle has a mottled black, white, and yellowish-brown coloration.
The larvae, which are the real culprits behind the damage, are slightly larger and covered in bristly hairs. They're often brown or black and have a carrot-shaped body. These larvae are the primary source of destruction in homes, as they feed on various organic materials.
Common Targets: What Carpet Beetles Eat And Damage They Cause
Carpet beetles are not picky eaters. They'll feast on a wide range of organic materials found in homes, including natural fibers, hair, fur, feathers, and even certain food items. The larvae are particularly voracious, and their appetite for destruction knows no bounds. Here are some common targets for carpet beetle infestations:
- Carpets and rugs: It's in the name, after all. Carpet beetles can cause significant damage to carpets and rugs made of natural fibers such as wool or silk. They'll chew through the fibers, leaving behind unsightly holes.
- Clothing and fabrics: Your favorite wool sweaters, silk dresses, or fur coats are not safe from carpet beetle larvae. They'll happily devour these expensive items, leaving you with a shredded wardrobe.
- Upholstery: Furniture with natural fabric upholstery is also at risk. Finding carpet beetle skin in your furniture is not fun. Carpet beetles can damage couches, chairs, and cushions, leaving a chewed-up mess.
- Stored food: Carpet beetles are not just interested in textiles. They'll infest stored food items like grains, cereals, and pet food, contaminating them in the process.
Understanding what carpet beetles target can help you identify their presence in your home and take action promptly. If you notice holes in your clothing or damage to your carpets and upholstery, it's time to investigate for a potential carpet beetle infestation.
Preventing Carpet Beetles: Tips For A Carpet Beetle-Free Home
Prevention is the smartest strategy when it comes to dealing with carpet beetles in your house. Keeping these pests out is far easier than trying to eliminate an established infestation. Here are some tips to help you maintain a carpet beetle-free environment:
- Regularly vacuuming and dusting your home can help remove potential food sources and larvae. Pay special attention to areas where pet hair and dust tend to accumulate.
- Store your clothing, rugs, and other susceptible items in airtight containers or garment bags to prevent adult carpet beetles from laying eggs on them.
- Inspect your home for any cracks or openings that could serve as entry points for carpet beetles. Seal them with caulk or weatherstripping.
- Keep food items in sealed containers to prevent carpet beetles from accessing them; this is particularly important for grains, cereals, and pet food.
Periodically inspect your home for signs of carpet beetle activity, such as damaged items or adult beetles. Early detection can prevent a small problem from becoming a large infestation.
Professional Pest Control: Expert Help For Carpet Beetle Control
Despite your best efforts, carpet beetle infestations can still occur. When they do, it's often wise to seek the help of professional pest control services. Monroe pest control experts have the knowledge, experience, and tools to eliminate carpet beetle infestations and prevent future occurrences.
Our experts at Guard Pest Control can accurately identify the type of carpet beetle infesting your home and assess the extent of the problem. We can apply specific treatments for beetle extermination at all life stages, from eggs to larvae to adults.
Contact us today to schedule an inspection.