Introduction
Carpet beetles can eat through fabric, carry disease, and provoke allergic reactions in some people, so they need to be eradicated as soon as they are detected. This page will teach you how to get rid of carpet beetles.
Carpet beetles can enter the home with new carpets, furniture, or on cut flowers. Adult beetles feed on pollen and nectar, so they are often found outside. They lay their eggs on woolen fabric, furs, and carpets. When the larvae hatch, they use the fabric as a food source. Once they have taken up residence in your home, carpet beetles are difficult to eradicate.
Getting Rid of Carpet Beetles
Entomologist Lou Sorkin addresses the problem of carpet beetles in this video. Sorkin says in some cases, people mistake damage done to fabrics as being caused by moths when it is actually a carpet beetle. He says just as bed bugs don't necessarily live in only beds, carpet beetles can damage anything that has fabric - including clothing and/or upholstery.
Step 1: Locate the Source
- You will usually see small grains of fecal matter and shed larvae skins before you see an actual insect. You may also see holes in fabric. It may take a whole house search to track down the beetles.
- Search dark places such as closets, drawers, basements, in between walls and insulation, attics, and storage boxes.
- Check under carpets and rugs
- Pick up couches and large pieces of furniture, removing cushions to check for evidence of insect activity.
Step 2: Thoroughly Clean
- In order to eradicate the beetles, you need to get rid of the eggs and the fabric munching larvae.
- Vacuum carefully, disposing of the vacuum cleaner bag outside immediately after you've finished.
- Wash fabric in hot soapy water.
- Steam clean carpets.
- You can sprinkle boric acid on carpets and fabric after cleaning, in case you haven't gotten all the bugs, but it may discolor some fabrics, so test for colorfastness first.
Step 3: Consider Professional Help
- If cleaning alone doesn't rid you of your problem, you may need to resort to pesticides. There are some sold for consumer use, but all have varying degrees of toxicity. You may want to consider consulting a professional exterminator who is fully versed in the precautions that need to be observed when these poisons are used.
Conclusion
- Although carpet beetles themselves don't eat fabric, their larvae do. If you have a carpet beetle problem, identify the source, vacuum up the eggs and larvae and thoroughly clean the area. If insects remain or return, consider contacting an exterminator.
Table of Contents
References
Fast Facts
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Fact:
Look for signs of carpet beetles in places like closets and under carpets
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Fact:
Vaccum all surfaces thoroughly and make sure to toss the vaccum cleaner bag after you are finished.
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Fact:
Consider using pesticides. Speak with a local exterminator if necessary.
