What Causes Carpet Beetles?

Carpet beetles are only the size of a pinhead! There are three common kinds – furniture carpet beetles, black carpet beetles, and varied carpet beetles. You’ll know if you have them by the holes they leave as they chew away.

They don’t actually carry any diseases but they breed quickly. And destroy items made from natural fibres including curtains, clothing, and your carpets. See what causes carpet beetles here…

Be Carpet Beetle Savvy

Adult house beetles are small and oval-shaped. They range in colour from yellow, orange, brown, and black. Some can be white. They can fly and crawl. The larvae measure about 6mm and are covered with bristles or fine hair. If your carpet becomes infested these are the culprits that do all the damage.

How do you get carpet beetles? Carpet beetles feed on dust and debris. Often blown in through vents or open windows. And they’re attracted to food remnants, and dirty, stained clothing. They also enjoy animal-based products such as wool, feathers, and leather.

Where do carpet beetles come from? Outdoors the adult carpet beetles feed on nectar and pollen. But they prefer to lay their eggs indoors where there’s an abundant food supply. They get into homes through doors and windows. And can be bought in on flowers or houseplants.

Some carpet beetles will make their nests inside chimneys where nesting birds provide an adequate food supply. They prefer to feed in dark, quiet areas – often making them difficult to detect. The larvae tend to eat seeds and can be found in kitchen areas. Pet hair also provides appetising snacks.

Black, varied, and furniture carpet beetles move from room to room in search of food. They may also infest attics and basements.

Getting Rid of Carpet Beetles

Carpet beetle removal is all based around cleaning. Vacuuming areas where you suspect an infestation is the initial way to go.

Need some professional help in keeping your carpets clean? Trusted carpet cleaners will use powerful steam cleaning techniques to remove all grime and dirt. And the solutions are safe for your family and pets. The heat and moisture during this process will eliminate beetles and eggs.

Use a hot water cycle to wash infested clothes or bedding. This will detach the eggs preventing them from hatching. If the damage to these items requires them to be disposed of, you’ll need to seal them in plastic bags before putting in the waste.

Kitchen surfaces should be wiped down with vinegar as this can remove food residues. It can also be used on shelving, window sills, and cupboards.

Boric acid powder can be poured into cracks and crevices outside to deter the beetles from coming inside your property.

Advice will be given on preventing future infestations.