Carpet Beetles
Carpet beetles are small, oval-shaped insects that can cause significant damage to household items made from natural fibers. While adult carpet beetles typically live outdoors and feed on pollen, their larvae are the real problem indoors. Once they find their way inside, they can feed on wool, silk, leather, fur, feathers, and even stored food, making them a serious pest for homeowners.
Why they’re a problem
- Larvae do the damage: Adult carpet beetles are harmless inside, but their larvae are voracious feeders that destroy household fabrics and organic materials.
- Difficult to spot early: Because larvae tend to feed in dark, undisturbed areas, an infestation can develop quietly and go unnoticed for weeks or months.
- Wide range of food sources: Carpet beetle larvae will eat pet hair, lint, dead insects, wool rugs, clothing, upholstery, leather, feathers, and more.
- Reproduction cycle: Female carpet beetles lay dozens of eggs at a time, often in air ducts, behind baseboards, or inside furniture where larvae will have access to undisturbed materials.
- Hard to eliminate without professional help: Since they nest in hard-to-reach areas, DIY methods often fail to fully eliminate the problem.
Signs you may have carpet beetles
- Damage to fabrics and upholstery
Look for small, irregular holes or threadbare spots in wool rugs, blankets, sweaters, and other materials made from animal fibers. Furniture with natural upholstery can also be affected. - Shed skins and larval casings
As larvae grow, they shed their skins. These look like dry, brown, bristly husks and can often be found near baseboards, under rugs, in closets, or beneath furniture. - Tiny, hairy larvae
Carpet beetle larvae are small, brownish, and covered in bristly hairs. They tend to avoid light and may be spotted crawling slowly across floors or walls near infested areas. - Adult beetles near windows
Adult carpet beetles are about 1/8 inch long and may appear near windows or light fixtures as they try to exit the home. They are often black, brown, or patterned with white, orange, or yellow. - Pet reactions
Some people and pets experience skin irritation caused by the hairs on carpet beetle larvae. If your pet is scratching at specific spots on carpets or furniture, it might be worth inspecting.
Contact Professional Pest Management to get rid of carpet beetles before they cause costly damage — call (931) 680-7249 today.
