What is a Carpet Beetle?

Carpet beetles are small beetles look like ovals and are about 1/8 to 1/4 inch long. They come in many different shades and patterns. Most of time they are mottled with black, brown, white and yellow. They are in same family as other pests like hide beetles and larder beetles. which is called Dermestidae.

Types of Carpet Beetles

Black carpet beetle [ Attagenus unicolor ]

This black carpet beetle is 3 to 5-millimeter (0.12 to 0.20 in) long bug that can be real problem in homes. Larvae are reddish brown and have bristles all over them. They grow to be 7 mm [ 0.28 inch ] long.

Brown carpet beetle [ Attagenus smirnovi ]

The Brown carpet beetle [ Attagenus smirnovi ] is small beetle that is about 2.3 to 4 millimetres long. It has dark brown or black head & pronotum and its light brown wings are covered in fine hairs.

Furniture carpet beetle [ Anthrenus flavipes ]

The furniture carpet beetle is common pest of upholstered furniture & other household items made from natural fibers.

Varied carpet beetle [ Anthrenus verbasci ]

This varied carpet beetle [ Anthrenus verbasci ] is common pest of carpets, furniture and other household items made from natural fibers.

Identifying Carpet Beetles

Adult carpet beetles are easy to spot. Small oval beetles with many colours & patterns. They usually have six legs and antennae.

Carpet beetle larvae are harder to spot. Very small, hairy and wormlike. Tan, brown or black. Carpet beetle larvae live in dark, undisturbed places like under carpets, behind baseboards & in closets.

Small, oval beetles or hairy, worm-like larvae in your home should be identified immediately. Carpet beetles damage carpets, rugs, furniture, clothing, and food.

Where do Carpet Beetles Come From?

Carpet beetles can come from the variety of places including

• Outdoors: Carpet beetles inhabit flowers, trees, and other areas. They enter homes through windows, doors, and foundation cracks.
• Used items: Carpet beetles can enter homes on used furniture, clothing, and other items.
• Pets: Carpet beetles can brought into homes on pets such as dogs and cats.
• Food: This Carpet beetles can be brought into the homes on contaminated food.

How to Prevent Carpet Beetles

There are number of things you can do to prevent carpet beetles from entering your home including

• By Seal up any cracks or openings in your foundation or around windows and doors.
• To Inspect used furniture and clothing for carpet beetles before bringing them into your home.
• By Vacuum your home regularly, especially in dark, undisturbed areas.
• Store your foods inside airtight containers.
• Keep your pets clean and well groomed.

How to Get Rid of Carpet Beetles

If you have carpet beetles in your home. Then there are a number of things you can do to get rid of them including

• Vacuum your home thoroughly especially in dark, undisturbed areas.
• Wash all of your bedding and clothing in hot water.
• Dry clean any items that cannot be washed in hotwater.
• Spray affected areas with an insecticide that is labeled for use against carpet beetles.
• Call a pest control professional for help.

Damage Caused by Carpet Beetles

Carpet beetle larvae can damage a variety of materials, including:

• Carpets and rugs
• Furniture
• Clothing
• Food
• Books
• Taxidermy mounts
• Natural fiber brushes
• Pet hair and fur
• Grains and spices

Carpet Beetle Life Cycle

Carpet beetles have a four stage life cycle: egg, larva, pupa & adult.

• Eggs: Carpet beetle females lay their eggs in dark, undisturbed areas. The eggs are small and white & they are difficult to see with the naked eye.
• Larvae: Carpet beetle larvae are hairy and worm like. They can be tan, brown or black in color. Carpet beetle larvae are the most destructive stage of the life cycle.
• Pupae: Carpet beetle pupae are inactive and do not feed. They are usually found in the same areas as carpet beetle larvae.
• Adults: Carpet beetle adults are small and oval shaped. They have a variety of colors and patterns. Carpet beetle adults do not feed on keratin, but they can still be a nuisance.

Carpet Beetle Habitat

Carpet beetles can be found in a variety of habitats, including:

• Homes
• Businesses
• Warehouses
• Museums
• Zoos
• Taxidermist shops
• Birds nests
• Rodent nests
• Outdoor areas

Carpet Beetle Diet

Carpet beetle larvae feed on a variety of materials, including:

• Carpets and rugs
• Furniture
• Clothing
• Food
• Books
• Taxidermy mounts
• Natural fiber brushes
• Pet hair and fur
• Grains and spices

Carpet Beetle Behavior

Carpet beetle larvae are nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night. They are also very mobile and can travel long distances in search of food.

Adult carpet beetles are also nocturnal, but they are less mobile than the larvae. They are often found near windows and doors, where they can enter and exit homes.

Carpet Beetle Bites and Stings

Carpet beetle adults do not bite or sting. However, carpet beetle larvae can cause skin irritation in some people. The larvae have barbed hairs on their bodies that can penetrate the skin and cause itching, redness & bumps.

If you experience skin irritation after coming into contact with carpet beetle larvae, it is important to wash the affected area with soap and water. You can also apply a cold compress to the area to reduce inflammation. If the irritation is severe, you may need to see a doctor.

Carpet Beetle Allergies

Some people may be allergic to carpet beetle proteins. Symptoms of a carpet beetle allergy can include:

• Sneezing
• Runny nose
• Itchy, watery eyes
• Congestion
• Wheezing
• Hives
• Skin rash
• Anaphylaxis (in rare cases)

Carpet Beetle Control

There are a number of things you can do to control carpet beetles, including:

• Vacuum your home regularly, especially in dark, undisturbed areas.
• Wash all of your bedding and clothing in hot water.
• Dry clean any items that cannot be washed in hot water.
• Spray affected areas with an insecticide that is labeled for use against carpet beetles.
• Call a pest control professional for help.

Carpet Beetle Prevention Tips

There are a number of things you can do to prevent carpet beetles from entering your home, including:

• Seal up any cracks or openings in your foundation or around windows and doors.
• Inspect used furniture and clothing for carpet beetles before bringing them into your home.
• Keep your home clean and free of debris.
• Store food in airtight containers.
• Keep your pets clean and groomed.

Carpet Beetle Removal Methods

There are a number of ways to remove carpet beetles from your home, including:

• Vacuuming: Vacuuming is a simple and effective way to remove carpet beetles from your home. Be sure to vacuum all areas of your home, including carpets, rugs, furniture & closets.
• Washing: Washing bedding and clothing in hot water is another effective way to remove carpet beetles. Be sure to wash all items that are infested with carpet beetles, including blankets, sheets, towels & clothing.
• Dry cleaning: Dry cleaning is a good way to remove carpet beetles from items that cannot be washed in hot water, such as wool coats and silk dresses.
• Insecticides: Insecticides can be used to kill carpet beetles. However, it is important to use insecticides carefully and according to the instructions on the label.
• Pest control professionals: If you have a severe carpet beetle infestation, you may need to call a pest control professional for help. Pest control professionals can use a variety of methods to remove carpet beetles from your home.

It is important to note that carpet beetles can be difficult to get rid of completely. However, by following the tips above, you can reduce their population and prevent damage to your home and belongings.