Carpet beetles might be small, but they can cause big problems for Virginia homeowners. While these tiny bugs might seem harmless at first, their larvae can damage your fabrics and furniture. That is why it is important to spot an infestation early. These pests often sneak into homes through windows and doors or through second-hand items, cut flowers, or even clothing.
To catch them early, keep an eye on not just your carpets but also your clothes, furniture, and stored linens. Look for small holes, shed skin and adult beetles. While a good cleaning might help, it is not enough to completely get rid of these pests. Their larvae are experts at hiding in hard-to-reach spots, which is why professional help is often the best option.
If you are dealing with a carpet beetle infestation, call a pest control company in Reston for a thorough inspection and peace of mind. Meanwhile, here are some measures you can take to identify and eliminate carpet beetles.
How to identify carpet beetles?
You can identify carpet beetles by their physical appearance. An adult beetle is usually small and about 0.12 inches in size. These pests are oval-shaped and can be in a variety of colors, like brown, black, or orange. Also, they have small scales that give them a mottled appearance. However, the larvae look completely different from the adult.
They are small, brown, or reddish in color and are covered in fine bristles. They can grow up to 1/4 inch long. You can tell you have a carpet beetle infestation by looking at some signs, such as damages or holes in your clothes and carpets. The larvae feed on these materials and cause damage.
You may also find skin castings, which are empty shells left behind by the baby beetle as they grow. These pests hide in places like carpets, furniture, and also clothes in your wardrobe. They are attracted to dark areas like corners and areas with natural fibers.
Methods to eliminate carpet beetles
1. Cleaning and vacuuming.
You can eliminate these cloth-eating pests by regularly cleaning and vacuuming your homes. Adult carpet beetles and their larvae both love to hide in dark and undisturbed spaces. Vacuum regularly, especially in hidden areas such as in the corners and under the furniture, to remove beetles, larvae, and eggs. Make sure you dispose of the vacuum bag far from your home to avoid beetles from re-entering.
2. Washing fabrics.
You can also remove these beetles by washing your fabrics properly. Carpet beetles eat natural fibers like wool, cotton, and silk. Take your clothes or other fabrics that you think are infested and dip them in hot water. Keep the temperature above 100 degrees Celsius. This will kill any eggs or adult beetles hiding in the fabric. However, if an item can not be washed, consider dry cleaning it to make sure all pests are removed.
3. Insecticides.
Insecticides are also a good option to control a carpet beetle infestation. Look for insect sprays or powders that are specifically designed to kill carpet beetles. Apply them to affected areas like carpets, furniture, and cracks where beetles usually hide. Also, follow all the label instructions carefully to ensure the safety of your pets and family members.
4. Sprinkle diatomaceous earth.
Diatomaceous earth is a natural alternative for controlling beetles. It is also a safer option than insecticides, which can be harmful to your pets. It is a fine powder made from the remains of ancient marine organisms. When you sprinkle this powder on the carpet beetles, it dehydrates and kills them.
Say goodbye to carpet beetles!
If you have been seeing carpet beetles and their larvae in your house, it is time to take action. Do not wait until the infestation gets out of hand. Call professional pest control services today!