As professional carpet cleaners, we often get called in to deal with carpet beetle infestations. These tiny pests can cause major damage to rugs, upholstery, clothing and more in homes. While they may seem harmless at first glance, getting rid of a carpet beetle infestation quickly is crucial to protect your valuables.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about identifying, preventing and eliminating carpet beetles using proven techniques.
What Are Carpet Beetles?
Carpet beetles are common household insects that feast on natural fabrics and materials. There are several different species, including:
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Varied carpet beetles – The most destructive type in the U.S. They have distinctive brown, white and black markings.
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Black carpet beetles – Completely dark with smooth or tufted golden hairs on their bodies.
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Furniture carpet beetles – Have brown and white banding on their wings and tufted hairs on their bodies.
The beetles themselves don’t cause damage. It’s the larvae that hatch from their eggs and feed on materials like wool, silk, leather, fur, dead insects and more. Once they develop into mature beetles, they lay more eggs, continuing the cycle.
Signs of a Carpet Beetle Infestation
Watch for these signs that carpet beetles may have infested your home:
- Visible beetles near windows, doorways, lights and on floors
- Tiny worm-like larvae with tufts of hair on their sides
- Pinholes, grazing trails or large holes in susceptible fabrics
- Missing sections, bare spots or shortened nap on rugs and carpets
- Allergic reactions like hives, runny nose and itchy eyes
How to Get Rid of Carpet Beetles
If you discover an active beetle infestation, take action right away. Here are effective methods our professional carpet cleaning service uses to eradicate infestations:
Vacuum Thoroughly
Use a powerful vacuum with a hose attachment to remove as many beetles, larvae, eggs and hairs as possible. Dispose of the vacuum bag immediately afterwards.
Apply a Chemical Insecticide
Insecticides containing deltamethrin, bifenthrin or cyfluthrin will kill larvae on contact. Carefully test first on a small hidden area of carpet or fabric. Follow all safety guidelines.
Use Boric Acid Powder
This mild acid acts as a stomach poison on insects. Lightly sprinkle on carpets, let sit for a few hours, then vacuum up. Wear gloves and keep kids and pets away during treatment.
Try Diatomaceous Earth
The sharp edges of this chalky powder dehydrate and kill carpet beetle larvae. Apply lightly to carpets, furniture, pet beds, etc. Wear a mask so you don’t inhale the dust.
Steam Clean
Heat from a steam cleaner helps eliminate eggs and larvae in carpets and upholstery. The combination of hot steam and suction is very effective.
Use Essential Oils
Natural oils like peppermint, clove, eucalyptus and tea tree can deter carpet beetles. Mix with water and spray infested areas. Most oils won’t stain.
Freeze Infested Items
Seal clothing, linens, books or other items with an active infestation in a plastic bag and freeze for 1-2 weeks to kill all life stages.
Discard Infested Items
Heavily damaged woolens, furs and other valuables may need to be thrown out if the infestation is severe. Freezing or heating first can help destroy eggs.
Preventing Future Carpet Beetle Issues
Prevention is the best way to avoid ongoing issues with carpet beetles in your home. We recommend taking these proactive steps:
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Seal cracks, holes and gaps where beetles enter. Use screens and caulk.
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Keep pantry items like flour, cereal, pasta and pet food in airtight containers.
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Clean and vacuum regularly to eliminate food sources like hair and dander.
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Store susceptible fabrics in plastic bins with cedar blocks or lavender sachets.
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Inspect secondhand furniture and clothing carefully before bringing inside.
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Apply an indoor-safe insecticide around baseboards and windows.
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Consider professional pest control treatments for whole-home protection.
Why Trust Eagle’s Eye Carpet Cleaning for Carpet Beetle Removal?
While you can attempt do-it-yourself carpet beetle control, heavy infestations often require professional treatment. Our experienced carpet cleaning technicians have the proper tools, knowledge and techniques to eliminate these pests from your home fully.
We provide thorough inspections to assess the extent of the infestation and create a customized plan to destroy all beetles, larvae and eggs on carpets, upholstery and other affected areas in your home. We use integrated pest management techniques focused on prevention and monitoring to keep the beetles from returning once eradicated.
Our family-owned business has provided exceptional cleaning and pest control services in this community for over 15 years. We are licensed, insured and certified in all the latest methods for safe, effective carpet beetle removal. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!