Identifying carpet beetles in your carpet is the first sign of infestation. The larvae feed on all kinds of fabric, clothing, furs, and even stuffed specimens; indicating carpet beetles don’t limit themselves to one particular area. If carpet beetles have made a home in your carpet, then it’s important to arm yourself with the skills and tools needed to tackle this enervating problem.
Signs of Carpet Beetles
Seeing the carpet beetles! Adult carpet beetles, while small, usually up to 4mm, can easily be spotted by the naked eye as they emerge inside. They are compelled to move outdoors to mate, which is why it isn’t uncommon to see their tiny dark bodies slowly scaling walls towards windows or lying dead on the windowsills.
Furthermore, thin, bare areas and even holes in natural fabric items such as carpets, rugs, furniture upholstery and leather book bindings are classic tell-tale signs of carpet beetle larvae ravaging the material.
What Do Carpet Beetles Eat?
As carpet beetles feed, they undergo a multi-stage developmental process known as metamorphosis that includes shedding their skin, or moulting. As a result, carpet beetle larvae leave behind a litter of light brown, empty skin cases and the evidence of tiny faecal pellets – almost the size of a grain of salt – in their wake. These two tell-tale signs of carpet beetle activity will be concentrated around the areas where they are nesting and feeding.
Breeding Habits of Carpet Beetles
Female carpet beetles typically lay around 40 eggs which hatch within two weeks. Once the larvae have hatched, they live for about 7-10 months before transitioning into pupae. After approximately one month of being a pupa, the carpet beetle will turn into an adult beetle that’s ready to start its own life cycle.
Ways To Get Rid Of Carpet Beetles
- 1Get rid of any fabrics that are heavily infested
- 2Wash clothing and fabrics in 60+ degrees
- 3Freeze clothing and fabrics that can’t be washed
- 4Treat with insecticide – Boric acid is a great and effective tool in managing carpet beetle infestations. It is typically unsurprising to discover that most insects are not able to survive contact with boric acid; happily, carpet beetles can be eliminated upon contact with this powerful insecticide. Homeowners are advised to liberally sprinkle this product, allowed the carpet to rest for two or three hours and then vacuum it to remove any stray carpet beetles, larvae, or eggs which have been killed by the boric acid treatment. With proper use of boric acid, carpet beetle infestations will soon be nothing more than a distant memory.
- 5Pest Control Company - if you’re in doubt or you’re unable to manage the infestation then contact a pest control company