The increase in temperature and the blossoming of flowers are indicating the onset of spring, as well as the movement of carpet beetles becoming noticeable. These small pests can cause big problems in homes, feeding on fabrics, furniture, and other materials. In this blog post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about carpet beetles, including how to identify and get rid of them.
What Are Carpet Beetles?
Carpet beetles are small insects that feed on natural fibers, such as wool, silk, and cotton. They can be found in homes, offices, and other buildings, where they hide in dark and undisturbed areas. The most common species of carpet beetles are the varied carpet beetle, the furniture carpet beetle, and the black carpet beetle.
Steps to get rid of carpet beetles
Getting rid of carpet beetles can be a challenging process, but here are some steps that you can take:
- Identify the source: The first step in getting rid of carpet beetles is to identify the source of the infestation. Look for signs of larvae or adult beetles, such as shed skins or fecal pellets.
- Clean and vacuum: Thoroughly clean and vacuum your carpets, rugs, and any affected areas to remove any carpet beetle larvae or eggs. Pay particular attention to areas that are dark and are not frequently cleaned, such as underneath furniture and in corners.
- Wash fabrics: Wash any affected fabrics, such as clothing or bedding, in hot water to eliminate any remaining larvae or eggs.
- Use insecticides: Insecticide sprays or dusts can be used to kill carpet beetles and their larvae. However, it’s important to follow the instructions carefully and use them only in well-ventilated areas.
- Seal cracks and gaps: Seal any cracks or gaps in your home to prevent carpet beetles from entering.
If you’re still having difficulty getting rid of carpet beetles, it may be best to seek the help of a professional pest control company or a carpet cleaning company (like us!) that specializes in eliminating carpet beetles.
1. What do carpet beetles eat?
Carpet beetles larvae feed on a variety of materials, including wool, silk, cotton, and other natural fibers. They can also feed on animal products such as feathers, hair, and leather. However, adult carpet beetles primarily feed on pollen and nectar from flowers outdoors.
2. How many carpet beetle larvae is an infestation?
The number of carpet beetle larvae needed to constitute an infestation can vary depending on the size of the affected area and the severity of the damage. In general, if you notice a large number of larvae or multiple areas of damage, it’s best to take action to prevent further infestation.
If you are unsure if you have an infestation, it’s always a good idea to contact a pest control professional for an evaluation.
3. Are carpet beetles hard to get rid of?
Getting rid of carpet beetles can be a challenging task, especially if the infestation has spread to multiple areas of your home or office. It’s crucial to identify the source of the infestation and eliminate it to prevent the beetles from returning.
4. Are carpet beetles harmful?
Although carpet beetles do not pose any harm to humans or pets, they can inflict severe harm to fabrics such as carpets and clothing.
On the bright side, you don’t have to worry about getting bitten by them as they don’t feed on blood or any bodily fluids. However, if you feel itchy or irritated, it could be a consequence of carpet beetles, as they are capable of causing allergic reactions, commonly referred to as carpet beetle rash.
5. Are carpet beetles common?
Yes, carpet beetles are common and can be found in homes, offices, and other buildings worldwide. In Canada, and especially Metro Vancouver area, they are as common as moths and other insects, specially in Spring and Summer times.
6. Can carpet beetles survive the cold?
Carpet beetles can survive in cold temperatures; however, extreme cold can kill them. They can survive in outdoor environments but prefer to live indoors.
7. Can carpet beetles fly?
Yes, but only the adult carpet beetles as they have wings.
8. How do carpet beetles come?
Carpet beetles can enter homes and buildings through open windows, doors, and cracks in walls. They can also be introduced through infested furniture, clothing, or plants/flowers.
9. Where do carpet beetles lay eggs?
Carpet beetles lay their eggs in dark and undisturbed areas such as closets, under furniture, and in carpeted areas.
10. When do carpet beetles hatch?
Carpet beetle eggs hatch in approximately two weeks, and the larvae can take up to a year to complete their life cycle.
Carpet beetle larvae
11. Will carpet beetles go away?
Carpet beetles will not go away on their own. It’s essential to identify and eliminate the source of the infestation to prevent them from returning.
12. How do you prevent carpet beetles?
Preventing carpet beetles involves keeping your home clean and free from debris, regularly vacuuming carpets and furniture, and storing clothing and other fabrics in airtight containers. You can also use insecticide sprays and traps to prevent infestations.
How to professionally get rid of carpet beetles?
Getting rid of carpet beetles requires a professional approach to ensure that the infestation is completely eliminated. Here are some steps that a professional pest control company may take to get rid of carpet beetles:
- Inspection: A professional pest control company will conduct a thorough inspection of your home or office to determine the extent of the infestation and identify the source.
- Treatment: Once the source of the infestation is identified, the professional will use a combination of chemical treatments and other methods to eliminate the carpet beetles.
- Cleaning: The professional will also thoroughly clean your carpets, furniture, and other fabrics to remove any remaining carpet beetle larvae, eggs, and debris.
- Prevention: To prevent future infestations, the professional may recommend regular cleaning and maintenance of your carpets and fabrics, as well as sealing cracks and other entry points to prevent carpet beetles from entering your home or office.
It’s important to note that getting rid of carpet beetles can be a time-consuming and challenging process, and it’s best to rely on the expertise of a professional pest control company to ensure that the infestation is completely eliminated.
Dealing with Carpet Beetles on Area Rugs
At Aero Carpet Services, we understand the frustration that comes when dealing with carpet beetle infestations. That’s why we offer our expertise to help you eliminate carpet beetles from your area rugs.
Our industrial freezer is a highly effective method for removing carpet beetles and moths from damaged rugs. After leaving them there for a few weeks to ensure that all insects are killed, we proceed with a deep and extensive washing of your area rugs to leave them looking and feeling as good as new.
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If you suspect that your area rugs are suffering from a moth or carpet beetle infestation, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our team of experts is always ready to provide you with the best advice and guidance to tackle the problem. With Aero Carpet Services, you can trust that your area rugs are in good hands!