With the weather getting warmer, it’s a good idea to make sure that you get the best pest control for carpet beetles. By doing so, you can make sure that your home is protected from these annoying and unwanted pests. But what are carpet beetles, and why can they cause problems in your home? Carpet beetles bite, and they burrow into the carpets. They munch on textiles, such as wool and silk garments. They can also ruin drapes and furniture upholstery. Although these pests are not capable of inflicting serious harm, they can be quite irritating to those who have had contact with them. Carpet beetles are especially common in homes where carpets are found.
If you have a problem with carpet beetles in your home, it’s important to take care of it right away. These pests can cause quite a bit of damage, and they’re hard to get rid of. If you’re not sure what type of pest you’re dealing with, it’s time to call an exterminator.
Carpet beetles are small insects that eat natural fibers like wool and silk. They also eat synthetic fibers like nylon and polyester. They prefer dark colors but will feed on any color if there’s nothing else available.
Carpet beetles lay their eggs on the food source they’ve chosen for their larvae, in this case, it’s usually fabric, and then leave them to hatch on their own after about two weeks or so. The larvae grow into adults and then mate before laying eggs again within another week or so later on; this process repeats itself every few months until there are enough adults around for all stages of development at once (about three generations per year).
What To Know About Carpet Beetles
The carpet beetle is one of the most common household pests, which can be found throughout the United States and Canada. These beetles are often mistaken for their cousins, the clothes moth, and the varied carpet beetle, but they have many differences that make them unique. These small insects are known to feed on natural fibers such as wool, silk, and even feathers. They also prey on food items such as cereals, nuts, and grains. These bugs can be found in many different types of environments including homes, offices, warehouses, and other buildings where there are lots of food sources available for them to consume.
Carpet beetles are known to cause damage by chewing on carpets, clothing items such as wool blankets or sweaters; upholstery; curtains; drapes; other fabrics made from natural materials like cotton or linen; furniture such as sofas or chairs made from wood; wooden boxes like wardrobes or chests; books made from paper pulp or cardboard boxes that contain cereal boxes inside them (such as breakfast cereal). The larvae stage will feed on any type of material that contains protein sources including dead insects that may be present throughout your home (such as flies).
Where They Live
Don’t assume from the common name alone that these pests dwell only in carpets. As a general rule, they favor dark areas, so can be found behind baseboards and in pantries, closets, and dressers (especially where furs or wool clothing is stored). They can also lodge in the crevices of sofas, armchairs, and other upholstered furniture. Dust bunnies under furniture and in corners, especially if pet fur and dander are present, are likely spots for carpet beetles, too.
What They Eat
While synthetic fibers are safe, pricier natural textiles such as cotton, linen, silk and wool clothing, blankets, and of course rugs and carpets, are the carpet beetles’ primary food sources. The family pantry, unfortunately, may also serve these pests, as some species of carpet beetles feed on pasta, flour, corn meal, and dry pet food. There are types of carpet beetles that eat dried flowers and potpourri, and even animal hides, as well.
How They Reproduce
The life cycle of a carpet beetle may be a mere two months to several years in length. Adults may deposit more than 100 eggs, which hatch within seven to 35 days. While carpet beetle larvae can survive for several weeks without food, it’s at that stage when the insects are most destructive.
Identifying an Infestation
Carpet beetle eggs are tiny and very hard to see, so most folks don’t notice an infestation until they spot damage to fabrics or other items. This can appear as bare spots in rugs or small holes in clothing or furniture fabrics. With carpet, evidence can appear as a shorter nap or irregular open spaces in the weave. Larger holes indicate where carpet beetles have munched en masse and the eaten areas have joined together.
DIY Extermination: How to Kill Carpet Beetles and Carpet Beetle Larvae
The good news is that once you’ve identified their presence, carpet beetles can usually be banished without the expense of an exterminator. Here are some ways to attack destructive larvae, plus a treatment to get rid of adult carpet beetles for good.
Insecticide
Stop an active larvae infestation by treating carpet or upholstery with an insecticide that contains at least one of the following ingredients: deltamethrin, bifenthrin, or cyfluthrin (view example on Amazon). Test in an inconspicuous area before treating the entire carpet to ensure the product won’t stain. Many insecticides warn against use around people and pets so follow the manufacturer’s safety precautions carefully.
Boric Acid
Boric acid, which acts as a poison on insect metabolism, is only hazardous to humans if ingested or inhaled in large quantities. Find it in powder form at pharmacies or in the laundry aisle of supermarkets. Sprinkle it lightly and evenly on the carpet, then use a broom or brush to distribute it into the fibers. Wait several hours and vacuum thoroughly. You may also prepare a larvae-killing spray by adding a tablespoon of boric acid to 2 cups of hot water and stirring until the powder dissolves. Fill a plastic spray bottle with the solution and mist curtains, upholstery, baseboards, and dark nooks and crannies.
Diatomaceous Earth
Another natural product, diatomaceous earth (available via agricultural-feed stores and various online retailers) is a desiccant that quickly kills by dehydrating larvae. Treat rugs in the method described for boric acid above, and also sprinkle some in the back of cabinets and closets and in pet beds. Choose “food grade” diatomaceous earth, which is safe for pets and humans, but wear a respirator or mask to keep from inhaling the fine dust particles when applying.
How to Get Rid of Carpet Beetles Naturally
Carpet beetles are the bane of many homeowners’ existences. These tiny pests can wreak havoc on your carpets, leaving holes and stains in their wake. If you have a carpet beetle infestation in your home, you need to take action quickly. Here’s how to get rid of carpet beetles naturally.
Carpet beetles are often confused with clothes moths, but they are actually much harder to get rid of than moths because they are so small and they’re hard to see. Carpets will start to look like they’ve been eaten away by acid as the larvae eat through the fibers and leave behind holes that can look like white dots or lines on your carpet.
Carpet beetle larvae eat everything from wool carpets and rugs to silk, fur, leather, and even dead bugs that have fallen into the cracks between floorboards or under furniture cushions. The best way to prevent them from multiplying is by keeping your home clean and clutter-free so that you don’t attract more food sources for them such as dead insects or animal hairballs from your pets’ fur balls (gross). You should also vacuum regularly so that you don’t leave any food behind for these little guys either.
How to Get Rid of Carpet Beetles in Hair
Carpet beetles are a common problem for people with long hair. They can be difficult to get rid of because they are so small, but there are several ways you can get the job done.
- Wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo. This will remove any oil or products that may be attracting the bugs and leave your hair clean and dry.
- Shake your head vigorously to dislodge any bugs that may be hiding in your hair follicles or behind your ears, where they can be hard to see. You can also comb through your hair with an eyeliner brush or toothbrush to help dislodge them from its hiding places.3
- Spray hairspray on yourself before bed at night as a preventative measure against future infestations by carpet beetles in your hair.
List Of Best Pest Control For Carpet Beetles
When it comes to pests, there is no worse culprit than the carpet beetle. These pests can wreak havoc on your home and ruin your carpets if not dealt with quickly. However, there are many different carpet beetle treatments available that can help you get rid of these pests for good.
Ortho Home Defense Insect Killer for Indoor & Perimeter2 Ready-To-Use – With Trigger Sprayer, Long-Lasting Control, Kills Ants, Cockroaches, Spiders, Fleas & Ticks, Non-Staining, Odor Free, 1 gal.
Price: $7.88 ($0.06 / Fl Oz)
Features :
- Up to 12 months of protection (against ants, roaches, and spiders indoors on nonporous surfaces)
- Kills all commonly listed household bugs (refer to product label for a complete list of insects)
- Nonstaining, odor-free, and dries fast
- Long-lasting bug barrier
- Ready to use 24 oz. sprayer for small areas or 1 gal. ready to use trigger sprayer for larger areas
Additional Info :
| Item Dimensions | |
| Height | 8.95 Inches |
| Width | 12 Inches |
| Length | 4.88 Inches |
JF Oakes Pro Pest Pantry Moth & Beetle Traps 2 Pre-Baited Traps
Price: $6.30
Features :
- PLEASE NOTE- The date on the product is a MANUFACTURING date and not an expiration date. The traps are good two years past the Manufacturing Date.
Additional Info :
Wondercide Natural Products – Indoor Pest Control Spray for Home and Kitchen – Fly, Ant, Spider, Roach, Flea, Bug Killer and Insect Repellent – Eco-Friendly, Pet and Family Safe — 32 oz Cedarwood
Price: $34.99 ($1.09 / FL Oz)
Features :
- KILLS & REPELS. A preventative and a treatment, this pet-safe insect spray kills and repels indoor pests and keeps your home pest-free. Kills flying, crawling, biting, and stinging pests including ants, roaches, spiders, flies, fleas, ticks, wasps, scorpions, mosquitoes, fruit flies, silverfish, moths, gnats, carpet beetles, earwigs, palmetto bugs, and waterbugs.
- PROTECT YOUR HOME. This versatile bug control spray is also an indoor flea treatment and flea killer for your home. It kills fleas in carpets, furniture, bedding, and flooring, and eliminates adults, eggs, and larvae in the home without staining.
- SAFE FOR DOGS & CATS. Pet-friendly, this spray is gentle enough to use several times a week around your loved ones, and throughout the house, yet powerful enough to fully eliminate pests and provide lasting defense of your household from invading insects.
- PLANT-BASED AND POWERFULLY EFFECTIVE. Using natural essential oils, this spray is a safe alternative to electronic bug zappers, lights, traps, powders, granules, and conventional pesticides. No artificial colors, fragrances, or harsh chemicals. Biodegradable. Cruelty-Free.
- EASY-TO-USE. This eco-friendly biopesticide can be sprayed easily around the home, throughout the kitchen, bathroom, and any other living area. Simply spray around windows, doors, baseboards, under sinks, cabinets, and around appliances. Works great for dog kennels and cat condos, too. Spray as often as desired for a pest-free home. Made in the USA from naturally-derived ingredients and safe around children. Safe when used as directed.
Additional Info :
| Item Dimensions | |
| Height | 10.5 Inches |
| Width | 3.7 Inches |
| Length | 3.4 Inches |
| Weight | 3 Pounds |
Mighty Mint – 16oz Insect and Pest Control Peppermint Oil – Natural Spray for Spiders, Ants, and More – Non Toxic
Price: $18.98
Features :
- Safe
- Extra Concentrated for Long-Lasting Protection
- Natural Ingredients Proven Effective in the Real World
- Large 16oz Bottle
- Powerful Essential Oil
Additional Info :
| Item Dimensions | |
| Weight | 1 Pound |
Harris Diatomaceous Earth Crawling Insect Killer, 8oz
Price: $7.99 ($1.00 / Ounce)
Features :
- Kills a Variety of Insects – Kills roaches, fleas, ants, bed bugs, and more
- Comes In Puffer Bottle – For an easy surface application or deep into cracks and crevices
- No Fillers or Additives – Composed of 100% freshwater diatomaceous earth mined in Nevada and packaged in Georgia
- Long Lasting – Diatomaceous Earth remains effective indefinitely as long as it’s kept dry
- EPA Registered – Registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (No. 3-18)
Additional Info :
In Conclusion
If you have carpet beetles in your home, it’s important to take action as soon as possible. They can cause damage to your carpets and other fabrics, which is why a professional pest control service is the best way to get rid of them.
Carpet beetles are one of the most common pests in homes and businesses, and they can be difficult to get rid of. The best way to treat carpet beetles is to call a professional pest control company. A trained technician will use a combination of products and services that can help you get rid of carpet beetles for good.