On the list of the most common household pests in the U.S., you’ll find roaches, mice, ants, and termites.
What you won’t find are carpet beetles.
These pests are a bit less common than some of the others, so it may be harder to identify them or understand why they’re in your house. Read on to learn everything you need to know about carpet beetles—including how to get rid of them for good.
What are Carpet Beetles?
Have you spotted a black or brown bug in your home, one you’ve never seen before? An adult carpet beetle will likely be one of these two colors. They have hard-shell bodies with six legs, two antennae, and wings hidden beneath their frames.
You might have seen carpet beetle larvae, too. They look a lot different than their adult counterparts, and they’re the ones to look out for—they cause more damage to your home than an adult beetle. More on that later.
For now, let’s cover what a carpet beetle larva looks like. Their worm-like bodies are covered in barbed hairs. Interestingly, they’re slightly longer than the adult carpet beetles, too—they’re about 2.5 centimeters, while the largest adults measure in at 4 millimeters.
If you spot the adults or larvae, you’ll probably find them in animal-derived fabrics in your home—think wool, silk, fur, feathers, etc. And, while this might very well mean they’ll reside in your carpets, you can also find carpet beetles in your clothes or even in dried food products that you keep in the pantry.
What do Carpet Beetles Eat?
You can probably guess what carpet beetles eat by where you’ll find them. Yes, these little bugs will feast on the natural fabrics in your home. If you find them in your closets or on your carpets, you should know that they’re eating fabric and laying eggs in there, too.
The larvae have a particularly big appetite for the fabric in your home. As such, they will do the most damage if they make it into your home.
In nature, though, they eat nectar and pollen. This fact may explain how carpet beetles got into your home in the first place.
Why are Carpet Beetles in My Home?
Carpet beetles begin their lives outside. But they might hitch a ride into your home on the flowers that provide them with the nectar and pollen they usually eat.
On top of that, carpet beetles tend to be attracted to light sources. So, if they see a crack in your abode, they might instinctively follow it inside.
So, let’s say you have a flourishing garden that brushes up against the side of your house. A carpet beetle could very well dwell here and accidentally find its way inside through the tiniest opening.
What are the Signs of Carpet Beetles?
Now, it makes sense why carpet beetles make their way into your home. But now you want to know how to pinpoint them—and how to get rid of them.
Damaged Fabrics
Let’s start with the obvious. Check your sweaters, blankets, carpets, and other fabrics for signs of damage. Sometimes, carpet beetle larvae will eat their way through these textiles, leaving holes in them.
Be sure that you’re not checking the pieces you use and wear regularly. Carpet beetles typically don’t infest the textiles you use frequently. The ones at the back of your closet are the most susceptible to these unwanted guests, so check there first.
Shed Skin
As carpet beetle larvae grow, they will shed their skin. And you can find these encasements in the fabrics where they live.
So, flip over carpet edges and search through creases and seams in fabric, too. You might even find them in the corners of your room where dust bunnies, pet hair, and other particles gather. The baby beetles will eat this stuff, too.
Window Sills
You won’t find larvae on your window sills, but you might notice adult beetles gathering here. As we said before, these bugs tend to chase the light, especially in spring. So, it makes sense that you’d find them on your sills, where there’s plenty of sunshine.
Bald Spots on Fur- or Fabric-Covered Decor
Finally, you might have an animal head hanging on your wall or another fabric-covered piece of decor. Inspect it to see if it has any visible bald patches or wear. Carpet beetle larvae could be responsible for this damage, as well.
How Many Carpet Beetles is Normal?
If you notice any of the above signs, then you have too many carpet beetles in your home. These are all telltale signs of an infestation, meaning the beetles have begun to lay eggs and multiply.
A female will lay between 25 and 100 eggs at a time, which take two weeks to mature. You don’t want the cycle to continue with their carpet beetle larvae and so on.
The sooner you notice that you have carpet beetles, the better. You can call for help in getting rid of them and have it done much more effectively.
How Do I Get Rid of Carpet Beetles?
If you find that you do, indeed, have an infestation of carpet beetles, then you will need to take action. Your best bet is to bring in a skilled exterminator to handle the problem quickly to stop the cycle and protect your possessions.
Results Pest Control can help rid your home of these pests and make your home safe and comfortable again. Click here to find our contact information and learn more about our family-run business.