Carpet Beetles

What do carpet beetles look like?

An adult carpet beetle has a rounded dome shape and therefore many people liken its appearance to a lady bug. The exact color of a carpet beetle is dependent on their exact species, but they generally have a mottled color pattern. Adults grow to between 1/8th and 3/16th of an inch in length. Carpet beetle larvae are about ¼ of an inch in length and have a tapered, carrot-like shape. The larvae are brown with lighter-colored stripes and bristles covering their bodies.

Are carpet beetles dangerous?

Carpet beetles in our homes aren’t considered dangerous, but that doesn’t mean you should invite them to live in your home. Adult carpet beetles don’t damage personal property, but they do have the potential to contaminate food sources. On the other hand, carpet beetle larvae can and will cause damage to personal property in your home. The larvae feed on and chew holes in carpets, upholstered furniture, clothing, and blankets; they are most attracted to things made out of or that contain animal products such as feathers and fur. In addition, carpet beetles are often confused with bed bugs because carpet beetles’ larvae are attracted to the oils found on human skin and in human hair. They will crawl across sleeping people to feed on their hair and body oils. Their bristle-covered bodies can cause a skin reaction on some people and the skin reaction may cause people to assume bed bugs are biting them when in reality the culprits are carpet beetles.

Why do I have a carpet beetle problem?

Adult carpet beetles are attracted to light and are often drawn to the windows and doors of homes, finding their way inside through gaps found under or around them. They may also find their way in through spaces around utilities entering into your home. Once inside, they infest pantry items such as cereals, flour, and rice products in which they lay their eggs. Carpet beetles may also find their way in through dry goods purchased from the store that are contaminated with carpet beetles’ eggs or larvae. Carpet beetle larvae are often found in homes on the floor around baseboards, in closets, beneath upholstered furniture, and under carpeting. They feed upon and put holes in natural fibers or items made from animal products.

How do I get rid of carpet beetles?

For effective carpet beetle control, contact Montgomery Exterminating! Our Tulsa, OK pest control technicians have the knowledge and experience needed to find all of the carpet beetles living in your home and to implement a treatment plan to result in their complete elimination, as well as future prevention. Reach out to us today to learn more about our residential and commercial pest control services.

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