Carpet beetles are tiny pests that can cause significant damage to your home, especially if left unnoticed. These beetles feed on natural fibers such as wool, silk, and feathers, making your clothes, rugs, and upholstered furniture their favorite targets.
To make matters worse, they are also known to carry allergens that can trigger asthma and allergy symptoms in some individuals. However, the good news is that carpet beetles can be detected early, which will help you take action before they cause major damage.
In this blog, we will discuss the early signs of a carpet beetle infestation in your home, the difference between over-the-counter pest control products and professional pest control and what you can do to prevent it.
Signs of a Carpet Beetle Infestation
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Spotting Adult Beetles:
One of the most obvious signs of a carpet beetle infestation is spotting adult beetles near your home's windows. These beetles feed on pollen, so they tend to move toward the outdoors during spring and summer. If you happen to spot any 0.5 cm sized beetles crawling near your windows, it's a red flag that you may have an infestation.
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Observing Holes in Fabrics and Clothes:
Another common sign of a carpet beetle infestation is the presence of small holes in your clothes, rugs, and upholstered furniture. Carpet beetle larvae feed in clusters, so if the holes are several and small, it means you have a carpet beetle problem and not one of the moths. You should also check dark and unused areas like the back of a wardrobe or the area below furniture, as the larvae may tend to feed on these areas.
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Finding Shed Skins:
Like other insects, carpet beetles shed their external skin numerous times in their nine-month lifecycle. If you manage to see small furry skins, especially at the base of your wardrobe or below your furniture, it's a sign of a carpet beetle infestation.
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Larvae are Active at Night:
Carpet beetles' larvae are most active at night, making it difficult for you to spot them. However, you can still find out if your home is housing them. Draw the curtains and keep the room dark, and you just might be able to lure them out, thereby exposing their presence.
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Look for Droppings:
Another sign of a carpet beetle infestation is the presence of droppings. You're most likely to find faecal pellets at the base of your wardrobe, on the floor, or below your clothes. These droppings are usually brown or black and sized as small as a grain of sand.
Steps to Control and Prevent a Carpet Beetle Infestation
If you suspect a carpet beetle infestation in your home, it's crucial to take action as soon as possible to prevent further damage. However, even if you don’t have an active infestation but wish to prevent one, then here's what you can do:
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Clean Thoroughly:
The first step in controlling and preventing a carpet beetle infestation is to clean your home thoroughly. Vacuum all carpets, rugs, and upholstered furniture to remove any larvae, eggs, or adult beetles. Wash all infested clothes and bedding in hot water to kill any remaining beetles.
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Store Fabrics Properly:
Store all your fabrics and clothes properly to prevent carpet beetles from feeding on them. Use airtight containers or vacuum-sealed bags to store woolen, silk, and feather items.
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Use Pesticides:
If you have a severe infestation, you may need to use pesticides to control the beetles. However, it's important to use the right product for the job and to follow the instructions carefully.
With that being said, should you invest in a DIY product or opt for a professional service?
DIY Vs. Professional Pest Control Services:
While DIY products are a more budget friendly option and seem like a quick fix, it may not be an effective solution to your pest problem. Additionally, in trying to budget your expenses, you may end up paying even more for a professional service to control a severe pest infestation that might not have been as severe as when you initially found out. And let’s not forget, you would have better peace of mind by letting the professionals do what they know and do best!
Although professional pest control is more expensive than DIY products, it is a reliable and efficient solution to your pest problem. At Protech Pest Control, we provide same day services for Melbourne homeowners as well as a pest-free guarantee to ensure 100% customer satisfaction. Our environmentally-friendly treatments are conducted by certified and experienced technicians who use the best and latest equipment for our pest control services.
If you have discovered a pest infestation and wish to get a quick quote and book an appointment, you can contact our pest experts today.