Among the several species of beetles found in the United States of America, carpet beetles are the most common species. Getting rid of carpet beetles is an arduous task. They live in hidden areas, tend to be ‘out of sight’, and cause significant damage. In this article, we will guide you on carpet beetles and how to control them.
Carpet Beetles constantly need warmth and shelter. They thrive in your home’s upholstery, where they find much-needed warmth for survival, especially in the winter. Carpet Beetles are not really dangerous to people. But, these pests cause major damage to your upholstery and linen. They destroy fabrics, carpets, sofa sets, and you won’t know the extent of the damage until it’s too late.
Summer and spring is the time when you find carpet beetles scurrying about everywhere. Female carpet beetles lay about 50-100 eggs across your home. These eggs hatch, grow into larvae, and then into adult carpet beetles in a span of 8-15 days. The newly hatched larvae are more destructive than adult carpet beetles. Their spindly bodies can cause skin irritation and leave red itchy rashes similar to a bed bug bite.
Carpet Beetles are capable of using many pathways to enter your home. They can hitch a ride on the plants & flowers you bring into your home or latch onto pet fur. They can also enter through your chimney, vents, electrical conduits, windows, and cracks on your walls. However, it is vital that you prepare your apartments or bungalows for pest control services before treatment begins.
Carpet Beetle pocket nests are commonly found in furniture or closets. These nests may be formed either by single egg-laying females or different carpet beetles.
If you find a live Carpet Beetle in your home, it means that you already have an infestation. Observing your home keenly can help you identify the early stages of the infestation.
As the carpet beetle larvae mature and grow into adults, they molt their tight skins and leave behind hard shells. These shells appear brown, and mostly translucent with bristly hair. These bristles can cause skin irritation whenever you sit or lie down in an infested area.
This is an easy-to-spot danger sign of a carpet beetle infestation. If you find holes in your fabrics, it is mostly the result of larvae and grubs making a meal out of your clothing. However, there is a chance that the holes caused by moths can be confused with those by carpet beetles. The difference is that moths tend to feed sporadically and create holes all over the fabric or garment. On the other hand, carpet B]beetles concentrate their feeding only in particular areas.
Carpet Beetles can also feed on expensive leather, books, and photographs. They are a cause for concern when it comes to pets as they can also feed on fur.
In addition to the shell and skins of adult carpet beetles, look for tiny dry pellets of fecal matter which are usually black or dark brown in color.
Vacuum cleaning is one of the most popular methods for getting rid of carpet beetles. Vacuum cleaners can suck up all the larvae, excrement, and shells and keep your home free from beetles. Clean your upholstery, carpets, rugs, curtains, etc. thoroughly to get maximum pest control results.
Consider purchasing a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to get the best outcomes. HEPA filters are specifically designed to suck up pests such as dust mites and carpet beetles.
Boric acid is the magic element to get rid of carpet beetles. It is quite effective, and you will see results in a few hours. Spread boric acid all over the upholstery that cannot be machine washed. After a couple of hours, vacuum the area to suck up the dead carpet beetles, larvae, eggs, and feces. If you have pets, make sure to keep them away from the target areas as furry animals have nasty reactions to boric acid.
Larval and adult carpet beetles target natural fabric and clothes. A good method to get rid of larvae and beetles from your clothes is to soak them in hot water and wash them. This kills the beetles instantly. However, since the larval hair causes skin irritation, use a brush to remove the dead bugs from the fabric. Dispose of all the natural fabrics and clothes with extensive damage. You can also replace all your natural fabrics with synthetic alternatives.
Did you know that you could kill carpet beetles and their larvae by freezing them? The process, however, is longer than a hot wash but it doesn’t shrink or spoil the fabric.
This is one of the most expensive methods to control carpet beetles. A pheromone trap will give out pheromones that attract insects towards it. This will give you a good idea about the worst-infested areas. To check how many carpet beetles are exploiting a path to your home, place these traps near the crevices, cracks, and gaps in your walls.
Another method that can help you avoid carpet beetles is a mosquito net. A mosquito net not only prevents blood-sucking mosquitoes from entering your home but also prevents Carpet Beetles from flying in. If you see a large number of Carpet Beetles even after taking preventive measures, consider placing nets on your windows.
If you see extensive damage all over your home due to carpet beetles, it’s high time you consult the professionals. If you need to find an agency quickly, you can head on to www.Consumera.com! It’s the best platform to find all the top pest control agencies in the United States!