Carpet Beetles or Rug Beetles: What They Look Like
You may not notice them, but outdoors carpet beetles or rug beetles feed on plants, pollen and nectar. Like other flying pests they can enter a home through open doors or windows, tears in screens or any other gaps or cracks in a home. Once inside, they may be noticeable either as larvae or as adult beetles.
Carpet Beetle Eggs
The eggs of carpet beetles are very small. You may not even notice them except as small spots on clothes or fabric furnishings.
Carpet Beetle Larvae
Larvae are usually around 1/8 of an inch in length, and while at first glance they might look like small light or dark brown worms, they actually have legs and short hairs. They will typically be in darker areas — under a large chair or couch, under piles of clothes, inside closets, etc. You might only notice them once you move items they’re hiding in or under. At this point you may also notice damage.
The larval stage is the most destructive form of the insect. Larvae consume natural fibers in clothes, furnishings, rugs and more. While they prefer natural fibers, synthetic material can be appealing if stained with food, food oils or perspiration. And, in cabinets and pantries they may consume grains and protein-rich materials including nuts, cereals and pet food.
Adult Carpet Beetles
The adult beetles are typically around 1/8 inch long or smaller. The adults have the hard outer casings typical of beetles in mottled brown, black and white colors. Some are a solid black color. Light attracts adult carpet beetles and in fact light may have attracted them into your home. If you see them, they’ll typically be in brightly lit areas, such as near a window.
The adults themselves don’t damage indoor furnishings. They prefer plant matter. However, they can lay eggs that hatch into damaging larvae. And, if you see these beetles indoors, you may have an infestation that needs attention.
Carpet Beetle Damage
Since these insects are small in all life stages, the damage the larvae cause might be the first sign of a problem. You might see holes in shirts, sweaters, etc., much like the damage you’d expect from moths. Tattered, worn-looking areas on items such as clothing, carpets, rugs and blankets can also be an indication of a carpet beetle infestation.
How to Eliminate Carpet Beetles
Whether you notice the larvae under a pile of clothes or notice damage, you need to get rid of these problem insects.
Before applying any type of pest control treatment to a material, test it first in an inconspicuous area to ensure it won’t damage or stain the material.
Are Carpet Beetles Dangerous?
While carpet beetles usually aren’t dangerous to humans, contact with the larvae might cause skin irritation for some. They can be a costly problem, however, ruining food, clothing and furnishings. The ideas below will show you how to eliminate a carpet beetle problem.
Getting Rid of Carpet Beetles With Natural Methods
Often, it’s best to begin pest control with the least aggressive means, so you might want to try eliminating carpet beetles with natural methods first.
Block Entry Points
Look for the source of your carpet beetle infestation: torn screens, damaged weatherstripping or cracks where the adult beetles may be gaining access. Repair screens, install new weatherstripping and seal cracks. If you like to have your windows or doors open in nice weather, make sure you have window screens. Consider installing storm doors with screens.
Eliminate Food and Hiding Places
Keep your home as tidy as possible. Frequent sweeping and vacuuming (including under furniture) can remove food sources from floors. Deal with laundry quickly. Dirty laundry can be a food source for the larvae and piles of clothes or linens can provide attractive places for them to hide and feed. Clean up spills quickly and keep food in pantries and cabinets sealed.
Deter and Kill the Bugs
An essential oil such as peppermint oil can deter carpet beetles. Lightly spray an area with a mixture of water and a few drops of peppermint oil to make an area less attractive to the pests. A 1:1 mixture of vinegar and water can have a similar effect.
Food-grade diatomaceous earth (DE) will kill crawling pests like carpet beetle larvae. Sprinkle the material on the affected area and leave it in place for up to 48 hours. Vacuum thoroughly. Boric acid can also be effective at killing carpet beetles.
Even natural materials such as DE and boric acid can be harmful to people and pets. Read and follow all product instructions and cautions. For example, you should wear a respirator and gloves when using DE.
Clean or Dispose of Damaged Material
If the damaged item is salvageable, steam cleaning or a hot wash cycle can kill eggs and larvae, helping break the life cycle of the pests. If you need to discard damaged clothing or food products that are infested with larvae, bag the material and close it tightly to help reduce the spread of the bugs.
Carpet Beetle Pest Control With Bug Sprays and Other Pesticides
Sometimes you might need chemical pesticides or insecticides to deal with a tough carpet beetle infestation. Look for insecticides that specifically list carpet beetles among the pests the chemical controls. These sprays and powders may contain one of these active ingredients:
• Deltamethrin
• Bifenthrin
• Cyfluthrin
• Tetramethrin
• Permethrin
You'll find insecticides for indoors as well as barrier-type products that can kill insects that try to enter your home.
Before using a pesticide or insecticide, read the instructions thoroughly. Make sure it’s effective against carpet beetles and follow all the manufacturer instructions for safety, disposal and storage. Note that some pesticides will kill beneficial insects in addition to the pest you’re trying to eliminate. Don’t apply more than recommended.
Preventing Carpet Beetle Infestations
Some of the natural means for getting rid of carpet beetles are the best ways to prevent them from becoming a recurring problem:
- Locating and sealing any entry points
- Regular cleaning to remove food and hiding places
- Sealing food containers
These methods aren’t just effective at preventing carpet beetles. They can reduce problems from other insects and other pests as well.
Lowe’s has a wide range of products to help reduce and prevent pest problems. You can shop pest control products online or in store. If you have questions, you can also talk to a Lowe’s associate to find the best solution for your pest problem.
