Carpet beetles pose a great risk when it comes to any items made of natural fibers like wool rugs, furs, clothing or even stuffed animals that contain them, including wool rugs, furs clothing or any stuffed animals that contain natural fibers. Carpet beetles have been known to lay eggs which cause irreparable damage when laid on such items and this poses serious threats for carpet owners.
Given their long life cycle, professional pest control should be called upon for treatment. Applying insecticide to appropriate surfaces throughout your home will help prevent future infestations from taking hold.
Preventing an Infestation
Carpet beetle infestation can be avoided by sealing up entryways such as gaps under doors, windows and screen doors. Door sweeps should also be installed while caulking should be periodically applied and maintained around any screened areas.
Keep a keen eye out for signs of pest infestation on clothing and upholstery furniture. Larvae may hide within fabric seams and creases, feeding off its resources.
Jennifer Wang, an entomologist from the University of Kentucky, suggests using both heat and vacuuming to kill beetle larvae and eggs before they damage your belongings. Frequent vacuuming of closets or dressers will prevent beetles from making themselves at home there.
Stored woolens, rugs, and textiles should be dry-cleaned or laundered before being placed into long-term storage to reduce the risk of infestation by pests. Furthermore, an airtight container should be used to limit perspiration odors that attract them.
Identifying an Infestation
If you detect thinned-out areas or holes in your carpets, clothes, rugs, or furniture upholstery, it could be due to carpet beetles. Carpet beetle larvae feed off natural fabrics like wool and can create irreparable damage with their larvae consuming these fabrics and eating holes through them causing irreparable harm.
These pests are tiny and difficult to spot; often less than 1/4″ long and either black or tan and white in coloration, it may take you multiple attempts before finding one.
Squirrels have the ability to gain entry through open windows and lay their eggs on fabric, woolen goods or animal products – such as fur coats, stuffed toys or taxidermy items.
Infestations usually begins during summer when adult beetles search out dark, protected places to feed and lay their eggs. Such places include dark rooms like attics or basements where old clothing, woolens, furs and other natural fibers have been stored for an extended period.
Getting Rid of an Infestation
If you suspect carpet beetle infestation in your home, there are a few DIY measures you can try to control it yourself. Before making this decision alone however, it is advisable to contact a pest professional as this might be more efficient.
Preventing carpet beetle infestation begins by regularly vacuuming your rugs, draperies, upholstered furniture and closets. Vacuuming infested areas removes hair and lint that provide support for these pests, and helps locate and eradicate any eggs or larvae present.
Woolens, furs, and mounted fur game trophies that may be vulnerable to carpet beetle damage should be stored in an environment specially designed for them. Hot washing these materials as part of a preventive strategy will eliminate any eggs or larvae present and provide effective protection.
Use resin strips and pheromone traps as added protection to detect an infestation before it spreads, as well as diatomaceous earth, an agricultural store product. As another effective treatment option.
Post-Infestation Prevention
Once a carpet beetle infestation occurs, it’s critical to treat it swiftly and efficiently in order to keep your home free from further pest problems in the future. As soon as these bugs have been eliminated from your home, it will be much simpler for you to remain pest-free for good.
To prevent carpet beetle infestation in your home, start by performing regular cleaning of rugs, upholstered furniture, blankets and drapes to eliminate accumulations of lint, hair and other debris.
As part of your efforts, it is advisable to dry-clean clothing, linens and other items brought into the home from outside sources or that have been left lying around for extended periods. This will destroy any eggs or larvae present that could harbor bedbugs.
Cover all exposed carpeting and fabric-covered surfaces with plastic covers to prevent carpet beetle larvae from feeding on these fabrics, thus limiting damage from these pests and safeguarding your assets. This will minimize their damage while safeguarding valuables.