A home should be a safe place, where we can get out of bed in the morning without worrying about stepping on a bug. And when we get dressed, we shouldn’t find holes in clothing that may have been caused by unwanted pests. Springfield is home to many kinds of pests, including carpet beetles--and you don’t need carpeting to have a run-in with carpet beetles! They’ll eat any fiber! Here’s what you need to know about these little-known pests.
What is a Carpet Beetle?
Carpet beetles are sometimes confused with bed bugs because of their tendency to live where there are fabrics and plenty of fibers. You can find carpet beetles in furniture, bedding, clothing, and, yes, carpets. They are small, only 1/8th of an inch long. Adult carpet beetles are similar in size and shape to ladybugs, but they have a mottled-colored dome. Carpet beetle larvae are a much bigger threat than the adult beetles. The larvae are brown or tan and can grow up to 1/4th an inch long. They have bristled hair on their backs.
One female carpet beetle can lay up to 100 eggs at a time during the spring. This means that you could have a multitude of carpet beetle larvae around your house in no time. Keep an eye out for larvae in the carpet or near your clothes and take action immediately if you find evidence of carpet beetles in your home.
Do Carpet Beetles Cause Damage?
Grown carpet beetles aren’t likely to cause any damage around your home, but their larvae can. For one, larvae can cause a reaction if you come in direct contact with them. More importantly, they eat natural fibers that can be found in your carpet, your clothing, and your hair. They may be attracted to wood, fur, leather, silk, and even feathers. As they feed on these fabrics, they can damage your possessions and your home. Carpet beetles may also contaminate food during the egg-laying process, and, as mentioned, they multiply quickly.
Can You Prevent Carpet Beetles?
Carpet beetles can get in through even the smallest cracks in the exterior of your home. To keep them, and other unwanted pests, outside, seal all cracks and holes around the outside of your house. This includes caulking the spaces around windows and doors and making sure all screens are intact and free of tears.
Along with sealing the outside of your home, take special care to vacuum and dust regularly. Keeping clean carpets will help prevent carpet beetles. Plus, if you clean your floors regularly, you’ll be more likely to spot carpet beetles sooner, before they can cause damage.
Finally, protect your home from carpet beetles by keeping food stored in air-tight containers. Avoid leaving pet food out overnight and clean messes in the kitchen. Store clothes properly and don’t leave clothing on the floor.
What Can You Do If You Have Carpet Beetles?
Sometimes prevention is not enough. When carpet beetles get inside, you may want to seek professional help. American Pest Solutions serves Springfield homes by protecting residents from a variety of pests. If you’re worried about carpet beetles destroying your carpets (or any other belongings) reach out to American Pest Solutions! We have experience in dealing with carpet beetles and can save your carpets from these pests before it’s too late.