What To Know About Carpet Beetles

Carpet beetles may be small, but they can cause significant damage to your property. These pests feed on natural fibers like wool, silk, leather, and even pet hair, making your carpets, furniture, and clothing prime targets for possible infestation. While they don’t bite humans, carpet beetles can trigger allergies and cause skin irritation for vulnerable members of your household.

In this blog post, the pest control experts at Home Paramount Pest Control help you understand how to identify, prevent, and eliminate these pesky critters from your property to keep your home protected.

How To Identify Carpet Beetles

Carpet beetles are small, oval-shaped insects that measure between one-sixteenth and one-eighth inches long. They have a hard shell that can appear in several colors, including black, brown, white, or a mix of orange and yellow. The larvae (also known as “woolly bears”) are approximately a quarter of an inch long and covered in tiny, brownish hairs.

Contrary to bedbugs, carpet beetles do not bite humans; however, their bristly larvae can cause an itchy rash if they come into contact with skin. If you notice small, round beetles near windowsills or flying around lights, you may have a carpet beetle problem on your hands.

Where Are Carpet Beetles Found?

Spotting carpet beetles can be tricky, but these pests are more prone to appear in certain areas of your home where natural fibers and organic debris accumulate. Keep your eye out for carpet beetles in the following common hiding spots:

• Windows and doors: Carpet beetles are attracted to light, so it’s common to find them gathered near windows and doors.
• Inside closets: With an appetite for wool and other natural fabrics, finding carpet beetles in your closet is common.
• Under furniture: Again, carpet beetles feast on carpets and rugs, so they often accumulate underneath furniture for this reason.
• Air ducts: Carpet beetles may invade your ductwork in search of lint and pet hair.
• Stored items: Blankets, old clothing, and upholstered furniture are all hotbeds for possible carpet beetle infestation.

Because carpet beetles are drawn to light, you may see adult beetles clustered near windows and lamps; however, larvae tend to hide in dark, undisturbed areas where they can feed undisturbed.

Signs of Carpet Beetles in Your Home

Identifying carpet beetles early can help prevent extensive damage to your property. Watch out for the following signs of infestation:

• Shed skins and larvae: As they grow, the larvae molt, leaving behind small, dry, shell-like skins.
• Holes in fabric: Damage to carpets, furniture, clothing, and stored textiles is a key indication of infestation.
• Tiny beetles around windows: Adult carpet beetles are often found near natural light sources.
• Allergic reactions: If you or your family experience unexplained rashes or itching, it could point to a carpet beetle problem.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to take immediate action to prevent the population from growing and spreading.

How To Prevent Carpet Beetles

Preventing carpet beetles is the key to maintaining a clean, pest-free home. Here’s how you can help ensure these pests never infiltrate your living space:

• Vacuum frequently: Regularly vacuum carpets, rugs, and furniture to remove eggs and larvae.
• Wash fabrics: Clean clothing, blankets, and linens to eliminate food sources.
• Proper storage: Use airtight containers to store wool clothing, blankets, and fabric-based décor.
• Seal cracks: Prevent adult beetles from entering by sealing gaps around windows and doors.
• Insect-repelling oils: Cedarwood, lavender, and peppermint oils can help deter carpet beetles.
• Control humidity: Keep humidity levels low to discourage infestations in dark, hidden areas.

While these methods can help minimize the risk of carpet beetles, an established infestation often requires professional treatment for complete eradication.

Call Us for Professional Pest Control Solutions

If carpet beetles or other pests have invaded your home, DIY methods may not be sufficient to remove them completely. At Home Paramount Pest Control, we employ expert pest control methods tailored to your specific needs. Our trained professionals use safe and effective options to address pest problems and help prevent recurrent infestations.

Book a free pest inspection with our team today to get carpet beetles out of your home!