Your comprehensive guide to getting rid of carpet beetles

Key points

• Carpet beetles can ruin carpets, clothing, furniture and other fabrics in the house.

• A carpet beetle infestation is marked by shed skins or larvae casings and small, fuzzy larvae on fabrics and carpeting.

• Insecticide, boric acid, freezing and professional extermination effectively treat carpet beetle infestations.

Carpet beetles may be tiny, but they can wreak havoc on your home and belongings. If you’ve ever found mysterious holes in your favorite sweater or noticed strange larvae crawling around your carpeted bedroom floor, you might have a carpet beetle infestation on your hands.

Carpet beetles, scientifically known as Anthrenus verbasci, originated from Europe and Asia but are now present worldwide. The most common carpet beetle species include the varied carpet beetle, black carpet beetle and furniture carpet beetle. These tiny critters are about the size of a sesame seed and come in shades of brown, black or white with orange.

Carpet beetles are tiny and sneakier than you might think. What you see might just be the tip of the iceberg. They also multiply like crazy, turning a minor problem into a full-blown nightmare seemingly overnight. But with the right information and action plan, you can regain control of your home.

Are carpet beetles dangerous?

Carpet beetles can harm your home, particularly items made of natural fibers, said Ryan Fowley, pest removal expert and COO at Excel Pest Services. “Carpet beetles can feed on a wide range of animal products, including wool, silk, feathers and fur,” he said.

While carpet beetles are not known to harm humans or pets directly, their presence indicates an infestation that can significantly damage personal belongings and property. Fowley mentioned that some people may experience minor allergic reactions in environments where carpet beetles are present, leading to skin irritation.

While there aren’t many pros to carpet beetles, they can serve as a reminder to keep closets and storage areas clean. Overall, they’re a nuisance you’ll want to eliminate as quickly as possible to protect your belongings and home.

What are the signs of a carpet beetle infestation?

Here are some signs you may be dealing with carpet beetles in your home:

• Shed skins or larvae casings in dark, undisturbed areas (according to Fowley, larvae shed skins are light brown and about 1/8 inch long)
• Tiny, fuzzy larvae crawling on fabrics
• Damage to carpets, upholstery and stored clothing
• Adult carpet beetles flying around windows or light sources

How do carpet beetles enter your home?

Carpet beetles can enter your home in a few ways, including the following:

• Hitchhiking on clothing or furniture brought into the home
• Entering through open windows or doors
• Finding their way through cracks and crevices in exterior walls
• Being carried in on pets or other animals

Once inside, adult carpet beetles lay eggs, setting off an infestation.

What are the best ways to treat your home for carpet beetles?

Effectively eradicating a carpet beetle infestation starts with cleaning. From there, you may have to use insecticides to kill off remaining populations.

Thorough cleaning and vacuuming

Begin by thoroughly cleaning and vacuuming your home, paying particular attention to areas where carpet beetles are likely to hide, such as in dark corners, in closets and under furniture. Not only will this suck up any visual bugs but it will also help remove existing larvae, carpet beetle eggs and food sources. Just be sure to empty your vacuum cleaner outdoors after a cleaning.

Steam cleaning

Carpet beetles can hide deep within rugs and carpets, so vacuuming may not be enough to eliminate them all. Use a steam cleaner on infested carpets, upholstered furniture and other fabrics. The steam’s temperature is hot enough to kill any carpet beetle larvae and eggs left behind.

Freezing

If you have small, infested items susceptible to heat or moisture damage (such as a crocheted blanket or delicate hand-me-down), you’re not out of luck yet. Freezing can be an effective treatment option against carpet beetles and other pests, including bed bugs and clothes moths. Place your contaminated items in sealed plastic bags and freeze them for at least 48 hours to kill carpet beetle larvae and eggs.

Boric acid

You can make your own insecticide by adding one tablespoon of boric acid to two cups of hot water. Stir the mixture until the powder dissolves, then pour it into a spray bottle. Then, you can safely apply it to your sofa, curtains or shelving to eliminate carpet beetles.

You can also apply boric acid directly to your floors. Sprinkle it on your carpet in powder form and use a stiff bristle brush to get it deeper. Let it sit for a few hours (keep kids and pets away during this time), then vacuum it up.

Diatomaceous earth 

Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a natural substance that acts as a potent insecticide, effectively killing carpet beetles and their larvae upon contact. Simply apply it in areas where carpet beetles are active. When using diatomaceous earth, choose food-grade DE, which is low in crystalline silica and considered safe for household use.

Commercial insecticides

In severe situations, stronger insecticides may be necessary to tackle a carpet beetle infestation. If you choose this route, look for a product explicitly labeled for use on carpet beetles and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Note that insecticide is unlikely to be effective on its own. You’ll need to thoroughly clean before and after the application for best results.

Professional extermination

If you’ve tried several treatment methods or don’t want to deal with the elimination process alone, contact a pest management professional. “In cases of severe infestations, professional pest control services may be necessary to apply appropriate insecticides and offer targeted solutions,” Fowley said.

How can you prevent carpet beetle infestations?

Prevention is key when it comes to keeping carpet beetles at bay. The following simple yet effective techniques can reduce the risk of a carpet beetle infestation.

Eliminate dust

Regular cleaning and vacuuming are your first line of defense against carpet beetles. By removing dust, debris and potential food sources, you can eliminate the conditions that attract and sustain these pests.

Store clothing properly

Place stored clothing, linens and other fabrics in airtight containers or garment bags to prevent carpet beetles from munching on them, especially if stored in closets, cabinets or attics. You can also use mothballs to kill carpet beetles and other fabric-dwelling pests, but be sure to only place them in closed containers to avoid inhaling toxic fumes.

Seal entry points

Inspect your home’s windowsills, baseboards and door frames for cracks, gaps and other entry points that carpet beetles could sneak in through. If you spot any, seal them with caulk or weather stripping.

Maintain outdoor areas

Carpet beetles thrive indoors and outdoors. Crape myrtle, spiraea and Queen Anne’s Lace blossoms are favorite spots for adult beetles, while larvae feed on animal debris near nests.

You can deter carpet beetles from entering your home by keeping outdoor areas tidy. Trim nearby vegetation and secure outdoor storage areas to reduce hiding spots.

Monitor pets

If your pets spend time outdoors, regularly check them for signs of carpet beetles. Brushing your pet’s hair before they come back inside can effectively remove any hitchhiking pests before they have a chance to infest your home.

Use DIY repellant sprays

Essential oils offer a natural, cost-effective and pleasant-smelling way to ward off carpet beetles. To make your own DIY solution, dilute peppermint or lavender oil with distilled water in a spray bottle. Simply spray the solution in areas where you suspect beetle or larvae activity.

Even though most essential oils won’t stain carpets or furniture, spray a test spot first before applying the solution all over.

Vinegar is another household staple that can repel carpet beetles due to its strong scent. Mix white or apple cider vinegar with water to create a solution for cleaning areas where carpet beetle larvae may be present.

What’s next?

After successfully eliminating a carpet beetle infestation, you’ll want to begin a maintenance routine. To start, make regular cleaning a priority. Vacuum carpets and upholstery frequently, especially in dark, typically undisturbed areas where carpet beetles may hide.

Place seasonal clothing, extra linens and other fabrics in airtight containers or garment bags. This may not entirely prevent an infestation, but it will keep your items safe should the unthinkable happen again.

Outdoor maintenance matters, too. Keep your yard clean and well-maintained. The fewer carpet beetles hidden in your yard, the less likely some will make it inside. Always check your pet for carpet beetles or other pests before they come inside after an outdoor play or potty session.

If you continue to experience carpet beetle problems despite your best efforts, don’t hesitate to contact a pest control company, especially if you’ve been dealing with a persistent or overwhelming infestation. 

Conquering carpet beetles requires persistence and diligence. Following these tips and remaining proactive can protect your home and belongings from future infestations.