Carpet Beetle Removal

How do I know I have Carpet Beetle?

The first thing you need to know, is what the beetle and the larvae look like. This is so you know what to look for. As you can see from the pictures displayed the beetle beetles are small, oval-shaped insects that are typically black with white, yellow, and brown scales or markings on their wings. The beetle is approximately 2 to 3mm in length. The larvae, also known as woolly bears are also 2 to 3mm in length. They are different shades of brown and cream. they are covered in bristly hairshairs on them hence the name woolly bearand can be a common household pest. .

So now you know what you are looking for, now it is knowing where to look. Carpet beetles feed on a wide range of materials, including wool, silk, fur, feathers, and dried plant materials, which are often found in homes. They can also feed on synthetic fibers that are blended with natural fibers often found in mixed carpets. They will also feed on stored food products such as cereals and nuts.

Carpet beetle larvae are what we call a textile pest meaning they eat natural fibber’s. The most common natural fibre in the house is a wool carpet however upholstery, and other household textiles, as well as in stored food products are also food sources. They can be difficult to detect because they are small and can easily hide in crevices and other hard-to-reach areas. Move furniture and check the carpet under furniture to identify if you have any larvae. They will be head down in the pile of the carpet in general. You may also see a number of dead carpet beetles on the window ledge this is because the carpet beetles will head for natural light.

How to get rid of Carpet Beetle?

The key to getting rid of this textile pest is to find the source. Regular cleaning and hovering of carpets and upholstery can prevent and reduce carpet beetle numbers. By storing clothing and other textiles in airtight containers can also help to prevent outbreaks but will also protect your clothes. If you do find you have an infestation then a professional grade treatment in targeted treatment areas is the sure way to rid your home or business of this pest.  When dealing with this pest, when ever hoovering ensure to empty the hoover bag outside so you do not spread the problem to other areas.

What causes a carpet beetle infestation.

Carpet beetles are attracted to a variety of materials that are commonly found in homes. Carpet beetles are particularly attracted to natural fibers such as wool, silk, fur, feathers, and hair. These materials are commonly found in carpets, upholstery, clothing, and other household textiles. The beetles can also be attracted to food sources, such as grains, cereals, and pet food, which can provide a source of nutrition for their larvae. They find dust and debris very appealing as it can provide them with a place to hide and lay eggs. This is why carpet beetles are often found in areas of the home that are not frequently cleaned, such as lofts, skirtingboard junctions, and storage areas.

Some species of carpet beetles are attracted to plants, particularly those with flowers or pollen, and may enter the home through an open window or door in search of food or shelter. They are what we call an occasional intruder in as much as they fly in to the building. Once in the house they lay eggs which then hatch. This is the start of a possible carpet beetle infestation but you wont know this is going on until it is to late. The life cycle of the carpet beetle is eggs, larvae, pupa and then adult beetle.

As mentioned, the success of a treatment can rely on finding the source of the problem. Places to check have been mentioned however the loft space is an important one as it has been known that birds nests are a common place to find larvae. Another good example for the loft was an old dormant wasp nest in a roof void of an extension. The woolly bears were living off the wood pulp of the wasp nest. They were being found in the utility room below and the bathroom next to the roof void. When the wasp nest was removed there were hundreds of woolly bears inside.

To prevent carpet beetle infestations, it’s important to keep the home clean and free of dust and debris, and to store clothing and other textiles in airtight containers. If however you suspect you may have an infestation then you could try the tips mentioned above but a successful targeted treatment by a proffessional may save you a lot of time and effort. Our carpet beetle removal services will stop the stress of dealing with this pest infestation so contact us for a free no obligation quote today.