Carpet Beetle Identification & Prevention

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Frequently Asked Questions About Carpet Beetles

a carpet beetle up close

What are common carpet beetles?

Common carpet beetles are destructive pests that infest, feed on, and damage carpets, along with a whole host of other things. Museum specimens, rugs, carpets, wool, clothing, feathers, leather, and dry goods are also damaged by common carpet beetles. These oval-shaped beetles have black-colored scales covering their body or scales of multiple colors (brown, black, red, yellow), which create a mottled pattern. Their small, quarter-inch, brown, caterpillar-like larvae are covered in bristly hairs.

Are common carpet beetles dangerous?

Common carpet beetles are not described as dangerous, but rather damaging. Females lay their eggs on clothing, blankets, carpets, upholstered furniture, dry goods, or any other appropriate source of food they discover.

Common carpet beetle larvae can use many different things stored within our homes to feed and develop into adults. This makes controlling an infestation without professional help difficult.

Why do I have a common carpet beetle problem?

Adult common carpet beetles feed on plant nectar from flowers and often live outside in gardens in close proximity to our homes. They often move into homes through cracks and openings found around doors and windows, searching for a safe place to lay their eggs. Common carpet beetle larvae also find their way into homes by hitchhiking in on items made from natural fibers, animal products, or dry goods.

Where will I find common carpet beetles?

Outside adult common carpet beetles live in flower gardens, bird nests, or the nests of small animals. Inside they infest wasp nests, rodent nests, or dead insects that have built up behind a home’s walls. Common carpet larvae live and breed in pantries, closets, basements, or other storage areas.

How do I get rid of common carpet beetles?

Acquiring help from a professional pest control expert is the best way to eliminate common carpet beetles and keep them from returning. At Albemarle Termite & Pest Control, our technicians are highly trained and dedicated to providing affordable, safe, and effective home pest control services. We are a local, family-owned Elizabeth City pest control company whose number one priority is putting our customers first and exceeding expectations. For home or business owners looking to eliminate pests once and for all, call Albemarle Termite & Pest Control today!

How can I prevent common carpet beetles in the future?

Common carpet beetles are not just a nuisance; they pose potential health risks and are capable of damaging property. Avoid problems with common carpet beetles with the help of the following prevention tips.

  • Keep adult common carpet beetles out of your home by repairing loose screens and sealing cracks in exterior walls and spaces around windows and doors.
  • Inspect flowers or other plants that were outside before bringing them inside.
  • Store dry goods in glass or plastic containers with airtight lids.
  • Vacuum carpets and upholstery.
  • Store blankets, clothing, and other fabric items in airtight plastic containers instead of cardboard boxes.
  • Before storing away clothes, blankets, and other fabric items, make sure to wash them.
  • Make sure clothing and bedding in your home are regularly washed.

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