Carpet Beetles – Identification and Control

by Anamika Saha Seo Expert

Although many people may not consider them as harmless, carpet beetles can cause great damage to carpets, rugs, clothes and fabrics. There are a number of ways for dealing with these pests, but the first thing required is to know how they can be identified and what are the signs that indicate their presence.

What Do They Look Like?

Carpet beetles generally have small and oval shaped bodies and are black, gray or brown in colour, sometimes with gray or brown patterns. A few varieties even have white or yellow shade. Their larvae have brown bands across their body and hair-like extensions on either sides. Carpet beetles usually move at a very slow pace and can roll over if touched.

Activity Grounds and Signs of Infestation

The most common telltale signs that indicate the presence of carpet beetles in the household are their shed skins and pellet-shaped faeces. Since they love to chomp on fabric, these pests can be found in carpets that have been placed in dark areas. Besides that, articles made of feathers or fur, upholstered pieces and storage place of clothes can also be their activity grounds. Sometimes, they might even forage in food cabinets and feed on dog food, paint brushes and fresh flowers. Undisturbed locations such as baseboards, attics and air ducts can be their infestation grounds as well.

How to Get Rid of Them?

Dealing with an infestation of carpet beetles may not always be easy and it is often recommended to seek the help of professional firms providing services for pest control in North Shore. The least that a homeowner can do is vacuum all the areas laid with carpet and the upholstered items thoroughly at least once every day for a few weeks. Clothes eaten and damaged by the bugs must be thrown away. Fabrics that remain exposed at all times should be washed in hot water with detergent. Setting up glue tracks near holes and cracks might also help.

Preventive Measures

If any nest of birds or bees are spotted near the house, they should be moved carefully to somewhere far. If kept in the yard, it must be ensured that they are at a safe distance from the house.

Seasonal clothes and starches should be stored in plastic bags or containers, and exposed to sunlight every day for a few hours.

Holes in window screens must be repaired as soon as possible to prevent the entry of carpet beetles.

Although a DIY may be possible in case of full-fledged infestations, the task can even worsen the problems if gone wrong. Therefore, contacting professionals dealing with Residential Pest Control In North Shore is the most prudent option for controlling severe invasions.