There is a possibility that you have a carpet beetle infestation? Carpet beetles are small, oval-shaped insects that can cause severe damage to your bedding, clothes, carpets and upholstered furniture if left unattended or not cleaned regularly. Find out how to prevent carpet beetles and get rid of them with our Swat Pest Control Guide, including their appearance, eggs and signs of a carpet beetle infestation.
Carpet beetles can become a major infestation in your home if left unchecked. Young carpet beetles and larvae feed on fibres that are natural such as wool, silk and leather, as well as animal products including per or human hair. The carpet beetles feed on pollen, plants and flowers.
Carpet beetles grow up to 4mm long as adults. They have oval-shaped bodies with striped shell of black, white and yellow or orange.
Carpet beetles lay eggs that are white or cream in colour and are less than 1mm long. Adult carpet beetles lay more than 100 eggs at once which take between 10 days and a month to hatch.
Carpet beetles lay eggs that are white or cream in colour and are less than 1mm long. Adult carpet beetles lay more than 100 eggs at once which take between 10 days and a month to hatch.
Carpet beetles can enter the home through an open door or window or on an item that is already infested when it is brought inside – like an item of furniture, a plant, or fur. Taxidermy animals are also a popular hotspot for carpet beetles.
Adults like fabric and animal products so can fly in through open windows and lay larvae on furniture, clothes, rugs and carpets If left alone and the area is not kept clean and sanitised, carpet beetles can easily thrive in the home.
Carpet beetle larvae can cause damage to natural fibres while they feed, leaving holes in throws and clothes. If attached to clothing, the bristly hairs can also irritate human skin. Other than skin irritation, they are not harmful to humans.
In most cases, they do not cause damage to the property itself but the more objects inside it, like bedding, carpets and furniture. If they are left to breed, the problem could get worse.
Seeing adult carpet beetles in the home can signify that larvae have been laid somewhere. Adult carpet beetles are attracted to light so you are likely to find them around bulbs and windows.
Adults are likely to lay their eggs where there is enough food for their young so look for those hotspots. They also prefer areas out of direct sunlight – like along skirting boards or in shady corners.
Swat pest control advice on getting rid of Carpet beetle or moth
Vacuum regularly – Carpet beetle larvae like to feed on debris in the carpet, including dead skin, dead insects and hair (both human and pet). Hoovering regularly will mean there is less for the carpet beetles to feed on. You can also hoover up larvae and eggs. Pay particular attention to the carpet along the wall to floor junctions or skirting board.
Steam cleaning or vacuuming, we at Swat recommend steam cleaning hard surfaces. The heat and moisture remove the remaining beetles and eggs.
Wiping or spraying surfaces with vinegar – Another tip for getting rid of carpet beetles is to wipe surfaces, window sills, shelves, drawers and hangers with a vinegar mix. You'll want to ensure any dirt or food residue is regularly cleaned up.
Bình luận