The Ultimate Guide to Carpet Beetles: How to Get Rid of Them and Prevent Their Return

What Are Carpet Beetles?

Commonly found throughout Europe and Britain, Adult beetles could be found feeding on pollen and nectar from flower heads in the summer months. The larvae of the insect need a high aanimal protein found naturally in bird’s nests. They appear in domestic homes feeding on carpets, clothes and even animal furs. They are often associated with birds’ nests.

Carpet How to Get Rid of Carpet Beetles?

The source of the issue should be located and removed, if possible, i.e., old bird’s nests in the attic, but the insect could have just come inside after a walk in the woods or fields. If a heavily infested item is found it should be removed ASAP. Once the items have been removed and nests cleared, the areas should be thoroughly cleaned with a nozzle vacuum cleaner. Once vacuumed the affected areas should be treated with a bendiocarb or permethrin-based chemical/powder.

Natural Repellents for Carpet Beetles

Regular deep cleaning of carpets and washing of clothes on a 60 plus will help prevent any issues, if clothes and fabrics are not used regularly, they should be stored in an airtight bag or box to prevent insects from going unnoticed for long periods of time. Any holes in eaves or facias should be proofed to prevent birds from nesting and creating an issue.

How to Prevent Carpet Beetles?

• Seal windows and doors with weather stripping
• Use a vacuum that is designed for hardwood floors and carpets
• Empty your vacuum daily and dispose of it as carefully as possible
• Vacuum regularly to remove excess debris and keep the carpets clean
• Use an insecticide to kill carpet beetles
• Prevent carpets from becoming infested in the first place. It’s important to keep your home clean, especially your carpets. Carpets are especially prone to attracting these insects because they offer a nice place for the carpet beetles to hide. The best way to prevent carpet beetles from getting into your home is to keep your carpets clean and free from debris.
• Inspect your home regularly for signs of infestation and remove any infected materials

Conclusion

Carpet beetles can cause minor damage to carpets and fabrics and even worse, they can multiply fast and the small population of the carpet beetle can lead to an infestation. If you have carpet beetles in your house, you’re not alone. These insects tend to multiply quickly and their populations tend to spread quickly. The advice given can help with your issue but if the treatment isn’t done correctly, it won’t work. We always recommend calling a professional for the job as they will have dealt with the pests before and know how to treat them, they also have access to better chemicals, that can help control the issue faster.