Carpet beetles are a common beetle species found in North Carolina – and they might be tiny, but they can cause significant damage to your home. These pests feed on natural fibers, making your carpets, clothing, and furniture their favorite targets.
If you’ve noticed small holes in your fabrics or tiny black, brown, or yellow beetles crawling around, you might be dealing with a carpet beetle infestation.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about what kills carpet beetles and how to keep them out of your home for good.
What Are Carpet Beetles?
Carpet beetles are small insects in the Dermestidae family. The most common species found in homes are the black carpet beetle, the varied carpet beetle, and the furniture carpet beetle. These pests are typically black, brown, or mottled with white, yellow, or orange scales.
Click here to learn about the most common beetle species – and how to get them out of your home!
The real damage comes from the larvae, which have a voracious appetite for natural fibers like wool, silk, leather, and even pet hair. Carpet beetle larvae can cause considerable damage to carpets, upholstery, clothing, and other household items.
Are Carpet Beetles Harmful?
While not lethal, in rare instances, black carpet beetle bites can bite.
Carpet beetle larvae can also irritate your skin upon contact due to bristles on the larvae’s surface. This can lead to allergic reactions resulting in itchy red bumps on your skin.
How Do Carpet Beetles Get Into Your Home?
Carpet beetles can enter your home through open windows and doors, cracks in the foundation, or by hitching a ride on plants, flowers, or pet fur. Think of any open, unsealed surface – there’s a chance carpet beetles will have crawled in through there.
Once inside, these pests can lay eggs on various surfaces, leading to an infestation.
Signs of a Carpet Beetle Infestation
Before effectively removing carpet beetles, you need to confirm their presence. Here are some common signs of a carpet beetle infestation:
- Tiny holes in fabrics:
Carpet beetles feed on natural fibers, leaving behind small, irregular holes in clothing, carpets, and upholstery
- Shed skins:
As carpet beetle larvae grow, they shed their skins, which can often be found near the source of the infestation
- Live beetles or larvae:
You might spot adult beetles or their larvae crawling on windowsills, floors, or furniture
- Small bugs with lots of legs:
Carpet beetle larvae are often described this way due to their bristly appearance.
Still unsure if your offending pests are carpet beetles? We’ve got you covered with a more detailed article. Here are x signs you have carpet beetles in your home.
How to Get Rid of Carpet Beetles Naturally
If you discover a carpet beetle infestation, it can be really difficult to eliminate without the help of a professional pest control expert.
Often, natural methods aren’t quite strong enough to rid your home of a full-blown pest infestation. If you have a small number of carpet beetles plaguing a concentrated area, some natural ways to repel the pests are:
Vacuum Regularly
One of the most effective ways to remove carpet beetles is by vacuuming. Focus on areas where they are most likely to be found, such as carpets, rugs, and upholstery. Don’t forget to vacuum under furniture and along baseboards where larvae might hide.
Wash Infested Items
Launder any infested clothing, bedding, or curtains in hot water (140 degrees Fahrenheit for at least four hours) to kill both larvae and eggs – then make sure to shake off your items.
This is especially useful if your infestation is targeted to a specific area and you’re wondering how to get rid of carpet beetles in your bedding or on a specific rug.
For items that can’t be washed, consider freezing them (-20 degrees Fahrenheit) for at least three days – heat treating or freezing affected fabrics has been proven effective in killing carpet beetles.
Use Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth is a natural powder that can be sprinkled in areas where beetles or larvae are present. It works by dehydrating a number of pests on contact.
Essential Oils
Certain essential oils, like peppermint, cedarwood, and lavender, can act as natural carpet beetle repellents. Mix a few drops with water and spray the solution in areas where beetles are active.
Boric Acid
Boric acid can also effectively eliminate carpet beetles. Sprinkle it on carpets, rugs, and upholstery, then vacuum it up after a few hours.
How To Get Rid Of Stubborn Carpet Beetle Infestations
If you’re dealing with a particularly stubborn carpet beetle infestation – and natural repellants just aren’t doing the trick – you may wish to consider some of the following treatments to get rid of carpet beetles permanently.
Use Insecticides
For bigger, less concentrated infestations, consider using a carpet beetle insecticide. Apply the insecticide to infested areas, paying close attention to cracks, crevices, and baseboards.
Use A Carpet Beetle Spray
A spray for carpet beetles can effectively kill adult beetles and larvae on contact. We advise looking for sprays specifically formulated for use on carpet beetles for the most effective treatment
Hire Professional Carpet Beetle Pest Control
If the infestation is severe, it might be time to call in a professional team of experts. Carpet beetle extermination services can provide thorough treatment, ensuring that every corner of your home is protected.
Our local team of experts protects your home from pests by using highly effective treatments to eliminate carpet beetle infestations. We target even the most inconspicuous places on your property and safeguard your home from ongoing infestation.
Additional Tips to Get Rid Of Carpet Beetles Permanently
Once you’ve tackled your infestation, you’ll want to keep these pests out. Here are some steps to prevent carpet beetles from returning:
- Seal Cracks and Openings:Inspect your home for any cracks or gaps in windows, doors, and the foundation. Sealing these entry points with caulk, weatherstripping, or spray foam can prevent carpet beetles from sneaking back into your home
- Proper Storage:Take care to store wool, silk, and other natural fibers in airtight containers to prevent beetles from laying eggs on them
- Regular Cleaning:Keep your home clean and free of dust, pet hair, and lint, which can attract beetles. Regular vacuuming, dusting, and sweeping can be particularly effective in keeping carpet beetles away
- Use Mothballs or Cedar:Mothballs and cedar chips can help repel carpet beetles – place them in closets, drawers, and storage areas where natural fibers are kept
- Monitor For Recurrence:After treatment, regularly inspect your home for signs of carpet beetles. Early detection and awareness can prevent a full-blown infestation from reoccurring.
Get Rid of Carpet Beetles for Good!
We know dealing with a carpet beetle infestation can be frustrating. But with the right approach, you can eliminate these pests and protect your home.
That’s why we recommend regular cleaning, proper storage, and vigilant monitoring to ensure your home remains free of these destructive pests.
Need professional help? Don’t let carpet beetles damage your belongings or disrupt your peace of mind. Contact Bug Out today – and let our team of local experts safeguard your home from carpet beetles (and all other types of pests).