How to Get Rid of Carpet Beetles

Carpet beetles are tiny, black, and oval-shaped pests that can cause a lot of damage to your carpets, furniture, and other belongings. If you have carpet beetles, you know just how frustrating they can be.

These tiny pests can be challenging to get rid of because they are very hardy and can survive for long periods of time without food. They can also lay eggs in many different places, which makes it difficult to isolate and destroy them all.

On this page, we will cover how to remove carpet beetles from your home. We will cover everything from identifying the pests to using DIY methods and professional treatments. So read on for all the information you need to evict these unwanted guests from your home.

TYPES OF CARPET BEETLES

There are four main types of carpet beetles: the black carpet beetle, the furniture carpet beetle, the fur carpet beetle, and the varied carpet beetle.

BLACK CARPET BEETLE

The black carpet beetle is the most common type of carpet beetle. These pests are about ½ inch long and are usually black or dark brown in color. They can be found throughout North America.

FURNITURE CARPET BEETLE

The furniture carpet beetle is a smaller species of beetle that is about ¼ inch long. This type is usually light brown or yellow in color and is found across North America.

VARIED CARPET BEETLE

The varied carpet beetle is the smallest type of carpet beetle. These pests are only about ⅛ inch long and are usually black, brown, or tan in color. They can be found throughout North America.

FUR CARPET BEETLE

The fur carpet beetle is a rare species of carpet beetle that is about ¼ inch long. These beetles are usually light brown or yellow and are primarily located in the Western United States.

HOW TO IDENTIFY A CARPET BEETLE INFESTATION?

Carpet beetles can be challenging to identify, as they come in a variety of shapes and sizes. However, there are some key signs that can help you determine if you have a carpet beetle infestation.

Here are some signs you might have carpet beetles:
  • Bare spots on your carpet or furniture
  • Holes in fabric items, such as clothing or curtains
  • Discoloration on carpets or furniture, often appearing yellowish-brown
  • Small black bugs that are about the size of a flea

If you notice any of these signs, it is likely that you have a carpet beetle infestation. It is essential to take action quickly, as these pests can cause a lot of damage in a short amount of time.

What you should know about carpet beetles

Getting to know more about carpet beetles will help you ultimately defeat them. So here are some critical facts about these pests:

Carpet beetles are small, brown insects that can be found in both indoor and outdoor environments.

They are attracted to light and often congregate around windows and doorways.

Carpet beetles feed on a variety of materials, including wool, silk, hair, feathers, and dried meat.

They can cause significant damage to fabrics, carpets, furniture, and other belongings.

Carpet beetles can be difficult to get rid of, so it is vital to take steps to prevent them from becoming a problem in the first place.

HOW TO GET RID OF CARPET BEETLES

Once you have identified that you have a carpet beetle infestation, it is time to take action to get rid of them. There are a few different methods you can use:

DIY Methods

There are a number of DIY methods that can be used to get rid of carpet beetles. Here are a few of the most effective:

  • Vacuum regularly. This is one of the simplest and most effective methods for getting rid of carpet beetles. Be sure to vacuum all areas where the pests may be hiding, including cracks and crevices. Of course, there could be eggs located somewhere unseen, which means another infestation could arise later.
  • Borax solution. Mix one tablespoon of Borax with a gallon of water, then pour it into a spray bottle. Spray this mixture directly on the carpet beetles. Do a spot check on your carpet by testing a small patch of carpet to make sure it doesn't stain before you use it on a larger area.
  • Vinegar. Pour white vinegar directly on the carpet beetles. This will kill them instantly. Do the same spot check approach when using vinegar.
  • Freeze them. Another simple method is to freeze the pests. Place items that have been infested with carpet beetles in a freezer for at least 48 hours.
  • Hair spray. A home remedy that often works well for getting rid of carpet beetles is hair spray. Apply the hair spray directly to the pests, and they will die within minutes.
  • Clean infected areas thoroughly. Carpet beetles like to lay their eggs in dirty areas. So, it is important to clean any infected areas thoroughly with a detergent and hot water
Professional Treatments

If DIY methods don’t seem to be working, or if you have a particularly severe infestation, professional treatments may be necessary. There are a number of different treatment options that pest removal professionals can administer, including:

  • Pesticide sprays. Pesticide sprays are one of the most common methods for treating carpet beetle infestations. They are applied directly to the pests, which kills them on contact.
  • Pesticide powders. These are a less toxic option than pesticide sprays and can be used in areas where children and pets may come into contact with them.
  • Insecticidal soap. Insecticidal soap is a non-toxic option that can be used to get rid of carpet beetles. It is applied directly to the pests and kills them on contact.
Call Pest Control Professionals

If you are struggling to get rid of your carpet beetle infestation, it is best to consult with a professional pest control expert. They will be able to recommend and administer the best treatment method for your specific situation. They will help remove bugs and pests from your basement.

Why Do You Need to Get Rid of Carpet Beetles?

You might be wondering why it is so important to get rid of carpet beetles so quickly. What exactly are they capable of? While they may seem harmless at first, these pests can actually do a lot of damage to your belongings.

Carpet beetles can damage your:

  • Carpeting and rugs
  • Furniture
  • Other fabric-like materials

They can cause a lot of stress and frustration, as they are unsightly and difficult to get rid of. So it’s essential to take action against these pests if you want to protect your home and belongings.

HOW TO PREVENT FUTURE INFESTATIONS

In addition to taking steps to get rid of any current carpet beetle infestations, it is crucial to prevent future infestations. Here are a few tips for controlling these pests:

VACUUM OFTEN

This is the best way to keep carpets and furniture free of any eggs or larvae that may be present.

REMOVE CLUTTER

Carpet beetles like to hide in clutter, so removing as much as possible will help reduce the chances of an infestation.

CLEAN UP ANY FOOD AND STANDING WATER

Carpet beetles are attracted to dirty areas, so keeping your kitchen and bathroom clean will help discourage them from nesting there.

SEAL CRACKS

Carpet beetles can enter your home through small cracks and crevices, so sealing these areas, such as cracks in your basement foundation, will help keep them out.

If you follow these tips, you can help reduce the chances of a carpet beetle infestation returning. However, it is vital to be vigilant and watch for any signs of an infestation. If you notice any activity that may be associated with carpet beetles, take immediate action to get rid of them.

CARPET BEETLES FAQS

HERE ARE SOME COMMON FAQs ABOUT CARPET BEETLES:

1

How many carpet beetles is normal?

There is no right or wrong answer to this question, as it will vary depending on your specific situation. However, if you see more than a few beetles around your home, you likely have an infestation and need to take action.

2

Are carpet beetles harmful?

Carpet beetles are not considered to be harmful to humans. However, they can cause damage to your belongings, so it is important to get rid of them.

3

Can I get rid of carpet beetles myself?

You can try to get rid of carpet beetles yourself using DIY methods or professional treatments. However, if you are struggling to get rid of them, it is best to consult with a professional pest control expert.

4

Why do you get carpet beetles?

There is no one answer to this question, as there can be many reasons why you might get carpet beetles. Some of the most common reasons include:

  • Having an infestation of other pests, such as fleas or ticks.
  • Leaving food out in your kitchen or allowing pet hair to build up.
  • Not cleaning your home regularly
  • Having cracks and crevices in your home that provide entry points for the beetles.

5

How long does it take to get rid of carpet beetles?

It can take a few weeks to get rid of carpet beetles using DIY methods. Pest removal professionals can cut that time down significantly. No matter which route you take, it is essential to be patient and keep up with the treatment until all the pests are gone.

If you are dealing with a carpet beetle infestation, you are likely overwhelmed. The above information should help guide you through the process of identifying the pests, finding the best treatment methods for your specific situation, and preventing future infestations. And remember, if you are struggling to get rid of the beetles on your own, don’t hesitate to consult with a pest control expert.