Carpet beetles are tiny insects that resemble bed bugs and ladybirds, varied carpet beetle, and black carpet beetle are the two common bugs found in every home. These carpet beetle larvae cause damage to the rugs, carpets, and fabric that are made from animal skin and the larvae look different for each species. Adult carpet beetles are summer insects and they do not bite humans, they feed on pollens usually. In this article, we are going to discuss the signs of carpet beetles and how to get rid of them.
What do Carpet Beetles Look Like?
Carpet beetles are oval-shaped, and their body covers with black, white, and yellow color dots. They can grow up to 2.5 cm in length and their larvae are brown and black covered with dense hair. Carpet beetle’s eggs are usually ¼ to ½ inch in length and they are white colored.
Where do Carpet Beetles Come From?
Carpet beetles usually live outdoors, and they love to eat pollens, though they are tiny they can enter your home through any of the holes. They are attracted to flower plants and the pleasant smell inside your home.
Damage Caused by Carpet Beetles
Carpet beetles can cause severe structural damage if left untreated, they can dig holes into the furniture and other properties in your home which are made of wool, silk, and leather. Though these are not poisonous they can contaminate the stored food and spread bacteria through their feces and saliva. When you eat the food affected by the bacteria it will cause carpet beetle dermatitis, respiratory tract irritation, and allergic reactions.
Signs of Carpet Beetles
If you notice the below-listed signs, then your home would be infested by carpet beetles, make sure to act immediately.
- Damage to Fibrous Material
- Holes in Clothing
- Shed Skin
- Fecal Pellets
- Skin Irritation
How to Prevent Carpet Beetle?
Prevention is better than cure, so you can take necessary steps to avoid the attraction of beetles before the pest infestation. Here are some of the carpet beetle prevention tips,
- Treat with heat before you get in any furniture or old clothing inside your home
- Vacuum the furs and furniture regularly
- Store the winter clothes in an air-tight container
- Clean each corner of your home regularly and make sure to clean under the furniture too.
How to Get Rid of Carpet Beetles?
- Clear all the wastes and store them in a tightly closed container
- Make sure to vacuum and clean your home two days once, this will help you to eliminate any of the tiny bugs in your home.
- Avoid the presence of household pests like rodents, birds, and other flying insects
These are the common DIY methods to eliminate the presence of carpet beetles, but you should repeat the process daily. Make sure these DIY methods cannot eliminate the infestation completely and it is a temporary solution. You can hire a professional pest control service to get rid of carpet beetles and other insects in your home for years.