Carpet Beetles
Bare spots in your carpet's thread or odd-shaped holes in your carpet or other animal-based materials around your home, especially those that have been stored out of sight for a while, could be a sign of a carpet beetle infestation, as the larvae like to graze on these types of materials during development.
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What Are Carpet Beetles?Carpet beetles are tiny 1/16 to 1/8-inch dark-colored, egg-shaped beetles, some of which also have yellow, white, brown, and orange markings, that are known to infest carpets, especially those made of organic materials, such as wool. However, they will also feed on other organic materials around your home, such as fur, silk, leather, feathers, and felt similarly to moths.
Despite the name carpet beetles, the adult beetles do not feed on carpets; they feed on flower pollen. Instead, it is their larvae that feed on carpets. However, should you notice adult carpet beetles gathered on the exterior ledge of your windows, especially during the spring, it can indicate a larvae infestation inside your home, as the female will lay up to 100 eggs close to organic materials in your home's interior, typically in dark, undisturbed areas, for the larvae to feed on once they hatch. |
Once the eggs hatch, the larvae will appear as 1/8 to 1/4-inch long, tan to brownish bugs covered with bristly hairs that can usually be found feeding within fabric folds, such as hems, collars, and cuffs, as well as on the edges and undersides of rugs and carpets. However, they can also be found feeding on various other materials within your home and in just about any space, including the chimney.
Once the larvae become adults, which is typically between late May and early August, they will fly to flowers and begin feeding on their pollen and nectar.
Once the larvae become adults, which is typically between late May and early August, they will fly to flowers and begin feeding on their pollen and nectar.
What Risks Do Carpet Beetles Pose?
Because carpet beetle larvae feed on such a wide range of materials, the biggest risk they pose is damage to various items throughout your home, including carpet, furniture, and clothing. They can also hide in woodwind musical instruments that haven't been used for a while, where they will feed on the pads and felt.
How to Treat Carpet Beetles
One way to prevent carpet beetle larvae in your home is to keep your carpets vacuumed regularly. The same goes for stored clothing, bedding, and other organic materials in your home. Remove and dust the stored items regularly to prevent the accumulation of dust and debris, which can attract carpet beetles, and then store them in an airtight container.
You should also remove any dead insects in your home, as they are also a favorite of carpet beetle larvae.
Because carpet beetles larvae can be found just anywhere in your home, it can make ridding them difficult. However, a professional can inspect inconspicuous hiding areas, as well as any vulnerable materials for signs of infestation, such as irregular holes, shredded exoskeletons, and even the larvae themselves, during which time, they can also lay traps in vulnerable areas of your home, as well as apply an insecticide to help eliminate existing beetles.
You should also remove any dead insects in your home, as they are also a favorite of carpet beetle larvae.
Because carpet beetles larvae can be found just anywhere in your home, it can make ridding them difficult. However, a professional can inspect inconspicuous hiding areas, as well as any vulnerable materials for signs of infestation, such as irregular holes, shredded exoskeletons, and even the larvae themselves, during which time, they can also lay traps in vulnerable areas of your home, as well as apply an insecticide to help eliminate existing beetles.
