Carpet Beetle Identification & Prevention

What are carpet beetles?

Carpet beetles may not be the most well-known household invaders, but they are common ones. Adult carpet beetles have a rounded dome shape, and are similar in shape to ladybugs. Their exact color and mottled color pattern is dependent on their specific species. Adults grow to between 1/8th and 3/16th of an inch in length. Carpet beetle larvae are about ¼ of an inch in length, and have a tapered, carrot-like shape. These pests are brown in color with lighter-colored stripes and bristles covering their bodies.

Are carpet beetles dangerous?

Carpet beetles are considered to be more damaging to things than they are dangerous to people. Carpet beetle larvae have the potential to damage items inside homes due to their habit of feeding on natural fabrics. They may chew holes through clothing, carpets, blankets, and upholstered furniture. Adult carpet beetles mainly feed on plant pollen and nectar but, when they find their way into homes, they will also feed on and contaminate cereal, flour, and other pantry items.

In addition, carpet beetles are attracted to the oils that are found in people’s hair and on their bodies. And as they travel across a sleeping person, they have the potential to cause an itchy, raised rash which often causes people to incorrectly think their home has been invaded by bed bugs when they're actually dealing with carpet beetles.

Why do I have a carpet beetle problem?

Adult carpet beetles are attracted to light, and because of this, are often drawn to the windows and doors of homes and often find their way inside through the gaps found under or around windows and doors. Adult carpet beetles can also find their way inside homes through vents or spaces around utilities on the exterior of your home. In addition, carpet beetles can accidentally be brought into homes through dry goods purchased from the store that are contaminated with their eggs or larvae. Lastly, adult carpet beetles can also find their way into homes inside potted plants that are brought indoors after spending time outside.

Where will I find carpet beetles?

Inside homes, carpet beetle larvae are found living on the floor around baseboards, in closets, in basement areas, inside cardboard boxes, beneath upholstered furniture, and underneath carpeting. Adults lay their eggs inside pantry items, and both eggs and larvae can be found inside cereals, flour, and rice products.

How do I get rid of carpet beetles?

To eliminate carpet beetles that have found their way inside your home, your best option is to partner with a professional like Acadia Pest Control. Our dedicated experts will inspect your home and provide the services needed to locate and completely eliminate carpet beetles from your home.

Acadia is committed to using the best products on the market to eliminate carpet beetles and other household pests. We will prevent their return through our guaranteed Quarterly Perimeter Service. To learn more about eliminating carpet beetles from your Ellsworth home, contact Acadia Pest Control!

How can I prevent carpet beetles in the future?

• Adult carpet beetles feed on plant nectar and pollen, so make sure to inspect outdoor plants and flowers before bringing them indoors from the outside
• Help keep adults carpet beetles out of your home by making sure that window and door screens are intact and that weather stripping is placed around windows and doors
• Do not store clothing, blankets, and similar items inside cardboard boxes; instead, place them inside pest-proof boxes or bags
• Remove dry goods from their original packaging and place them inside air-tight containers for protection against pests
• Professionally clean your carpets, upholstered furniture, and curtains on a regular basis to help eliminate carpet beetle larvae
• Regularly vacuum and dust your home to remove hair, dust, dead insects, and other debris that carpet beetle larvae like to feed on

To learn more about our home pest control options for carpet beetle control, give us a call at Acadia Pest Control!