Carpet beetles are often overlooked pests that can cause significant damage to your home if left unchecked. Detecting an infestation early can save you from costly repairs and extensive treatments.
We’ll teach you how to identify the signs of carpet beetles and understand what to look for to address the issue promptly.
What Are Carpet Beetles?
Carpet beetles are small insects that feed on natural fibers found in carpets, clothing, and upholstery. They can be particularly damaging when their larvae infest your home.
There are two types of carpet beetles in North Carolina: Black carpet beetles prefer to feast on ‘more natural’ household products that contain keratin (a type of animal protein commonly found in animal hair and feathers). Varied carpet beetles tend to eat a broader range of materials, from carpets to clothes to upholstery.
And if you’re wondering if carpet beetles bite (or panic-searching “do carpet beetles bury under your skin?” on Google), rest assured; these pests aren’t harmful enough to cause damage to your person beyond allergic reactions or, in some instances, larvae bristle irritating the skin and causing red bumps.
However, carpet beetles can cause long-term damage to your home, chipping away at fabrics and destroying your food. Understanding signs of a carpet beetle infestation can help you quickly act against them.
6 Common Signs Of A Carpet Beetle Infestation
While there are different types of common beetle species that can invade your home, carpet beetles have specific habits and traits that make them recognizable pests.
Here are some signs you have carpet beetles:
-
Carpet Beetle Shells and Casings
One of the most noticeable signs you have carpet beetles is finding carpet beetle shells and carpet beetle casings around your home. These are the exoskeletons left behind by the larvae as they grow. You may find them in areas where beetles have been active, such as under furniture or in hidden corners
-
Carpet Beetle Droppings and Fecal Pellets
Carpet beetle droppings—also known as carpet beetle fecal pellets—are another indicator of an infestation. These tiny, dark specks are often found on carpets or upholstery where beetles have been feeding – usually the size of a pinhead and are often scattered across the affected area
-
Carpet Beetle Shed Skin
As carpet beetle larvae grow, they molt and leave behind their carpet beetle shed skin; these skins are often found in areas where larvae have been active.
Carpet beetle shedding can typically occur multiple times throughout the larvae’s development, so spotting these shed skins are a good indicator that you have an infestation
-
Carpet Beetle Poop
Carpet beetle poop (or, more scientifically, carpet beetle fecal pellets) is a telltale signal that you have an infestation. The droppings are small and can accumulate in hidden places where beetles are feeding – so watch out for any dark/brown stained fabrics.
-
House Beetle Larvae
Finding house beetle larvae is a strong indication of a carpet beetle problem. These larvae are typically cylindrical, covered in bristles and often hide in dark, undisturbed areas such as underneath furniture or within folds of carpets.
Need a little more help with getting rid of beetle larvae? Here’s a detailed guide to identifying and getting rid of carpet beetle larvae.
-
Carpet Beetle Droppings and Casings
Carpet beetle droppings and carpet beetle casings are similar signs of an infestation, but they can be found in different areas. Droppings are usually scattered where the beetles have been active, while casings are the empty shells left behind after the larvae molt.
Not recognizing these signs? You might be dealing with another type of beetle. Check out the other common beetles found in North Carolina to help identify what species you might be dealing with.
How to Find Carpet Beetles
Once you recognize the signs of your carpet beetle problem, the next step is eliminating it. And to do that, you’ll need to know where carpet beetles tend to hide. Here are some tips on finding carpet beetles in your home:
- Inspect Hidden Areas:
Check under furniture, along baseboards, and in closets where beetles may have been feeding
- Look for Damage:
Examine carpets, upholstery, and clothing for signs of damage caused by larvae feeding on natural fibers
- Use Sticky Traps:
Place sticky traps in areas where you suspect beetle activity. These traps can help capture adult beetles and provide clues about their presence.
While these are some of the more common places carpet beetles tend to hide, your infestation may not be limited to these areas. If you find yourself with an infestation that isn’t contained to one particular area – and you’ve tried the tips for getting rid of a carpet beetle infestation in your home – consider hiring a professional team of pest exterminators.
Here’s how Bug Out can help: Our local team of pest control experts protects your home from beetles (and other pests) by using highly effective treatments to eliminate carpet beetle infestations.
We search even the most inconspicuous places on your property, carrying out our highly effective beetle treatments to help safeguard your home from ongoing infestation.
Preventing and Addressing Carpet Beetle Infestations
Once you’ve identified the signs of carpet beetles, it’s crucial to act quickly to prevent further damage. Here are some steps you can take:
- Thorough Cleaning:
Regularly vacuum carpets, upholstery, and other areas where beetles might hide to remove larvae, eggs, and adult beetles - Proper Storage:
Store clothing and other natural fiber items in airtight containers to prevent beetles from accessing them - Professional Pest Control:
If the infestation is severe, consider hiring a team of professional pest control experts like Bug Out. We provide targeted treatments to protect your property from beetle infestations.
Identify Carpet Beetle Infestations Early On
Recognizing the signs of carpet beetles early can help you take swift action and prevent damage from getting out of control.
By being proactive, understanding key indicators of a carpet beetle infestation, and making sure to nip the problem in the bud before it spreads, you can keep your home safe and prevent future damage.
If you suspect a carpet beetle infestation, don’t hesitate to contact Bug Out. Our expert team is ready to help you identify and prevent carpet beetle problems, ensuring your home is safe from these pesky invaders.
