Carpet Beetles Won’t Pay for Damages – Here’s How to Stop Them!

Carpet beetles can be a hidden nuisance for homes and businesses alike, causing damage to carpets, clothing and other natural fibres. Read on to find out more about what carpet beetles are, the causes and risks of an infestation, and how to get rid of carpet beetles.

What Are Carpet Beetles?

Carpet beetles are small, oval-shaped insects known for their destructive larvae, which feed on natural fibres such as silk, wool and leather. Adult carpet beetles are normally around 2-4mm in size and can be a variety of different colours, ranging from black to mottled patterns of brown, yellow and white.

They have four stages to their lifecycle: beginning as an egg, before progressing through to larva, pupa then adult stages. The larvae (sometimes referred to as ‘woolly bears’) are the most destructive, munching on natural fibres while developing.

In the UK, common carpet beetle varieties include the varied carpet beetle, the furniture carpet beetle and the black carpet beetle. Regarding pest control, carpet beetles should be identified and treated early to prevent damage to your property and belongings.

Signs of a Carpet Beetle Infestation

Common signs of carpet beetle infestation include:

• Damaged fabrics. Check for irregular holes or thinning areas in upholstery, carpets and clothing – especially those made from natural fibres like silk or wool.

• Shed skins. As carpet beetle larvae grow they shed their skins, leaving behind small, translucent casings that look like tiny insect shells.

• Adult beetle sightings. Keep an eye out for small, oval-shaped beetles near windows and light fittings and in corners – they’re often drawn to light.

You’ll want to be sure to check places where carpet beetles commonly hide and feed. These include under carpets and rugs, in storage areas and in untouched corners of your property.

What Causes Carpet Beetles?

When carpet beetles enter properties they’re generally in search of two things: food and shelter. They’re attracted to light, so may come in through open doors and windows when your lights are on.

Unsealed cracks and gaps in walls, windows and doors can also provide them with access, while some carpet beetles – and their larvae – may even come in on second-hand furniture, clothing or rugs.

Carpet beetles are particularly attracted to natural fibres and food sources. Materials like wool, silk, leather and feathers are prime targets for larvae, while adult beetles often feed on pollen or nectar. Inside homes and business properties they thrive in areas where debris accumulates: things like pet hair, lint and crumbs can all appeal.

The Risks of Carpet Beetle Infestations

Carpet beetle infestations can cause significant damage to your property and belongings. Larvae feed on natural fibres, causing holes, thinning and irreparable damage.

Beyond this material damage, carpet beetles also pose potential health risks. The tiny hairs on the larvae can trigger allergic reactions in some people, leading to skin irritation, rashes or even breathing problems. Additionally, the shed skins and fecal pellets that carpet beetle larvae leave behind can exacerbate allergies or asthma – particularly in properties frequented by children or pets.

How to Get Rid of Carpet Beetles

When it comes to carpet beetle pest control, there are a few things you can do yourself to minimise the problems they cause.

Vacuuming regularly – paying particular attention to areas under furniture and along baseboards – can help, but be sure to empty the vacuum cleaner immediately afterwards to avoid reinfestation. Wash infested clothing, blankets and fabrics in hot water to kill larvae and eggs, and inspect your property regularly for any gaps or cracks where carpet beetles could enter, sealing these off as soon as you discover them.

While DIY methods like these may work for smaller infestations, carpet beetles are resilient pests – and it can be hard to locate and eliminate all of their eggs, larvae and the beetles themselves. Professional carpet beetle pest control specialists will provide a more comprehensive solution, using advanced techniques to eradicate them completely, as well as providing expert advice to prevent them from coming back.

Carpet Beetle Pest Control Services from Pest Stop Boys

With DIY pest control, carpet beetles may not always be completely eliminated. That’s where we come in.

At Pest Stop Boys we have decades of experience in tackling even the trickiest of carpet beetle infestations, making us your trusted partners for carpet beetle pest control.

Our three-stage approach begins with inspection: a thorough check of your property. Pest control identification services are vital to establish whether it is carpet beetles we’re dealing with – and if so, the scale of the infestation and their entry points. We’ll follow this with the most appropriate treatment for your specific situation, before leaving you with tips and techniques for the prevention of further infestations down the line.

Preventing Carpet Beetle Infestations

There are plenty of things you can do to minimise the need for pest control for carpet beetles. Clean your property regularly – in particular carpets, rugs and upholstered furniture – and don’t forget more ‘hidden’ areas like under furniture and in corners. Store out-of-season clothing and other fabrics in sealed, airtight containers, avoiding the use of cardboard which larvae can chew through.

Inspect any secondhand furniture and fabrics carefully for signs of carpet beetle infestation before bringing them inside, and seal any cracks or gaps around windows, doors and vents that could act as access points for adult beetles. Controlling carpet beetle food sources is also important: regularly cleaning up lint, pet hair and food crumbs will make your property less attractive to carpet beetles.

For ongoing protection, consider investing in professional pest-proofing services – contact us to find out more.

Frequently Asked Questions about Carpet Beetles

Can carpet beetles harm humans?

Yes, they can. Some people are sensitive to the tiny hairs on carpet beetle larvae, as well as to their shed skins and fecal matter. These can cause allergic reactions such as skin irritation, rashes and breathing issues.

How long does professional treatment take? 

This varies from infestation to infestation, but we always aim to tackle the problem in a single visit.

Are your methods safe for pets and children?

We have a variety of carpet beetle pest control solutions at our disposal, and we’ll always try and use non-toxic, environmentally-friendly options where possible.

Why Choose Pest Stop Boys?

If you’ve been wondering how to get rid of carpet beetles effectively, wonder no longer. At Pest Stop Boys we have decades of local expertise in everything from identification through to disinfection services – and with industry accreditation from the BPCA, you’ll know you’re in safe hands.

With environmentally-friendly treatment methods, discreet service and fast response times, we’ll tackle your carpet beetle issue before it gets out of control. Our Checkatrade reviews say it all: our focus is on getting your property back to normal with minimum disruption.

Don’t let carpet beetles damage your home or business. Contact Pest Stop Boys today for professional carpet beetle pest control services!