How To Get Rid of Carpet Beetles
Carpet beetles may seem as tiny harmless bugs at the first glance, but they can cause significant damage to your home and belongings. In a very short time they can damage carpets, clothing, furniture and other items made from natural materials like wool, silk or leather. Carpet beetles also pose a real threat to humans and pets, causing allergic reactions, skin irritation or respiratory issues.
If you suspect carpet beetles at your home, you need to know how to treat the infestation and get rid of these pests before it spreads to other areas of your home.
Table of contents:
- Why are they called carpet beetles?
- How do you get carpet beetles?
- Where can carpet beetles be found in the home?
- How to kill carpet beetles and carpet beetle larvae
- How to get rid of carpet beetle larvae naturally
- How to get rid of carpet beetles in mattresses
- How to prevent carpet beetles from coming back
Why are they called carpet beetles?
Carpet beetles got their name from the association with carpeted areas where they often were first noticed. Despite their name, carpet beetles can infest a wide range of materials, including clothing, bedding, furniture, and even food products. But the name “carpet beetles” has stuck over the year due to their initial connection with carpets.
How do you get carpet beetles?
Understanding where carpet beetles come from is crucial in preventing infestations. There are multiple possible entry points into your home. One common source is through open doors and windows, as carpet beetles are attracted to the scent of flowers and plants. They can also hitch a ride on infested items brought into your home, such as secondhand furniture, rugs, or clothing. Additionally, carpet beetles can enter through cracks and crevices in your home’s exterior, making their way inside to seek shelter and sources of food.
Pro Tip: It's important to regularly clean and inspect these areas of your home to help prevent carpet beetle infestations.
Where can carpet beetles be found in the home?
Carpet beetles are attracted to natural fabrics and foods, and can be found on or near carpets, clothing, pet food and dried food products. Common areas where carpet beetles can be found include:
- Carpets and rugs, especially in areas that are not frequently cleaned
- Upholstered furniture, including sofas, chairs, and mattresses
- Clothing, curtains and drapes made from natural fabrics and stored clothing that has not been properly cleaned or protected
- Storage areas where natural fiber items are kept, such as attics, basements, and closets
- Pet bedding, as well as areas where pet hair and dander accumulate
How to kill carpet beetles and carpet beetle larvae
With the right knowledge and strategies, you can effectively eliminate carpet beetles and put an end to their destructive activities. Here are some steps you can take to kill carpet beetles and carpet beetle larvae:
Vacuum your carpets and furniture: start by thoroughly vacuuming all areas of your home, especially those where you have spotted carpet beetles or larvae.
Wash infested items in hot water: This method kills both the beetles and their larvae.
Freeze infested items: If washing is not an option, freezing the infested items for several days can also effectively eradicate the beetles.
Use natural insecticides: like boric acid, vinegar, etc: apply it on areas where you have seen beetles and leave for several hours before vacuuming it up.
Use essential oils: such as lavender, peppermint, and eucalyptus to repel carpet beetles.
Hire a professional pest control company: If you have a severe carpet beetle infestation, it may be necessary to hire a professional pest control company. Their expertise and specialized treatments can effectively eliminate the beetles and larvae, restoring your home to a pest-free state.
How to get rid of carpet beetle larvae naturally
If you’re dealing with carpet beetle larvae and prefer natural methods to eradicate them, there are several effective natural remedies to consider like vinegar, boric acid, diatomaceous earth and insecticidal soap. It is important to be patient when using natural remedies and remember that it may take several applications before you see results.
In cases of severe infestations, chemical treatments may be necessary. Chemical insecticides formulated specifically for carpet beetles can provide targeted and effective control.
How to get rid of carpet beetles in mattresses
Getting rid of carpet beetles in a mattress can be a bit more challenging than other areas of your home. Some strategies that can help you to get rid of carpet beetles in your mattress include:
- Thoroughly vacuum your mattress. Pay close attention to the seams, corners, and edges of the mattress.
- Wash all your bedding in hot water, including sheets, pillowcases, and comforters.
- Use a mattress encasement designed to keep bed bugs and other pests out.
- Use heat treatment to kill carpet beetles and their larvae in your mattress.
- Use insecticides specifically designed to kill carpet beetles and their larvae.
How to prevent carpet beetles from coming back
Preventing a re-infestation of carpet beetles is just as important as getting rid of them in the first place. Start with maintaining a clean environment and implementing proper storage practices for items like woolens and natural fibers. Seal cracks and gaps in windows, doors, and walls to prevent carpet beetles from entering your home.
Additionally, maintain optimal humidity levels and ventilation to discourage their presence. Regularly monitor susceptible areas, such as carpets and stored clothing, for any signs of infestation and promptly address them if you notice any signs of carpet beetles.
Conclusion
Getting rid of carpet beetles requires a proactive and multi-faceted approach. By understanding their behavior, implementing preventive measures, utilizing natural remedies, and, when necessary, seeking professional assistance, you can effectively eliminate these pests and protect your home and belongings from further damage.
Author: Soleha Nisaa
Frequently Asked Questions
Carpet beetles can be caused by a variety of factors, including the entry of adult beetles from outdoors and the introduction of infested items into your home.
Carpet beetles generally do not pose significant health risks to humans. However, their larvae can cause a costly damage to fabrics, carpets, and other natural materials in your home. Additionally, some individuals may experience allergic reactions to carpet beetle larvae hairs, which can cause skin irritation and respiratory issues.
Unlike some other pests, carpet beetles do not cause structural damage to buildings. However, they can cause significant damage to fabrics, carpets, and other organic materials, leading to costly repairs or replacements if left unchecked.
Freezing can be an effective method to eliminate carpet beetles and their larvae. Carpet beetles are susceptible to extreme temperatures, and freezing can kill them.
It is recommended to vacuum your carpets, rugs, and furniture at least once a week, paying close attention to areas where carpet beetles or larvae have been spotted. Regular vacuuming helps remove adult beetles, larvae, and eggs, reducing their population.
Mild to moderate infestations can often be addressed with DIY methods. However, for severe or persistent infestations, it may be necessary to seek professional help. We at Killem Pest have the expertise, tools, and treatments to effectively eliminate carpet beetles.
The timeline for eliminating carpet beetles varies depending on the severity of the infestation, the methods employed, and the diligence in implementing preventive measures. It may take several weeks or months to completely eradicate carpet beetles from your home.
