These tiny bugs love fabrics and are tricky to remove.
Theseteeny pestsget right to business the second they key in your home, laying near-microscopic eggs everywhere they wander.
Unfortunately, carpet beetles dont just go away on their own and require immediate intervention.
What Are Carpet Beetles?
True to their name, carpet beetleslovecarpetbut not necessarily for the reasons you may assume.
Also, they prefer hanging out under rugs and carpets since they dont like the light.
Signs of Carpet Beetle Infestation
Fortunately, signs of a carpet beetle infestation are pretty obvious.
For one, you will actually see the adult bugs.
(Larvae are less visible.)
Adult carpet beetles come in four types.
One common pop in has a marbled black, brown, and white pattern (Anthrenus verbasci).
Another pop in of carpet beetle is dark brown and black (Attagenus magatome).
You may have trouble spotting the larvae, but you should see molting.
Carpet beetle larvae molt and leave behind empty skin casings.
It usually looks like the size of a grain of rice and is light brown, Wang says.
Because carpet beetle larvae feed on natural fibers, they leave damage in their wake.
This means that the infestation is isolated to a small area.
Once youve confirmed the bugs are carpet beetles, go through this to get rid of them.
You may need to do several passes so that suck up all the carpet beetles.
Pay special attention to cracks, crevices, and areas around baseboards where larvae and eggs might be hiding.
Also see to it to remove your vacuum bag and discard immediately.
Step 2: Steam Clean
Wang strongly recommends steam cleaning all affected surfaces, as well.
Also, steam clean upholstery, drapes, and rugs after cleaning them.
you’re able to also sprinkle a substance called diatomaceous earth onto the affected areas.
This is a fine and powdery natural substance that cuts up the carpet beetles and dehydrates them.
Wear protective gear and be prepared for a larger cleanup.
(This is also an effective remedy for bed bugs andants!)
This signals there may be larvae in widespread areas.
Also, ensure to clean and vacuum drapes, rugs, and furniture.
Store excess clothing and linens in airtight containers or garment bags to prevent future infestations.
Seal Entry Points and Trim Landscaping
Carpet beetles are outdoor bugs that find their way indoors.
McAvoy also recommends trimming trees and bushes so that they are not touching the exterior walls of your home.
This makes access to your home more difficult for the bugs.
However, they can cause contact dermatitis or skin allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Carpet beetles can find their way into clean homes through open windows, clothing, shoes, and pets.
Vinegar can act as a natural deterrent for carpet beetles, but it will not eliminate a large infestation.
To try this, mix equal partscleaning vinegarand water, then wipe down surfaces where there may be larvae.
For best results, combine this method with the steps above to completely remove all signs of carpet beetles.
(COLEOPTERA: DERMISTIDAE).American Journal of Research Communication.
Ahmed AR, Moy R, Barr AR, Price Z.Carpet beetle dermatitis.Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.
1981;5(4):428-432. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/s0190-9622(81)70104-x
