Our home is supposed to be a place to relax and enjoy with friends and family and our fur babies. Sometimes though, we may have little critters in the home. Carpet beetles are small, pesky insects that are known for their ability to cause significant damage to fabrics, furnishings, and other household items. Their presence in homes can be quite distressing due to the destruction they can wreak on personal belongings. In this article, we will learn what carpet beetles are, what they look like, and if carpet beetles bite.
Let’s learn more!
What are Carpet Beetles?
Carpet beetles are a group of insects from the family Dermestidae which include several species that live indoors and feed on materials like wool, silk, leather, and pet hair. They are common domestic pests and can be found worldwide.
What Do Carpet Beetles Look Like?
Carpet beetles typically measure 1 to 4 mm in length and have oval-shaped bodies. They often display colorful and patterned scales, which can make them easily identifiable. The larvae are carrot-shaped with bristles and are usually larger than the adult beetles.
Are Carpet Beetles Harmful?
While carpet beetles do not pose a significant health risk to humans, they can cause an allergic reaction in some individuals and are harmful to household items, particularly those made from natural fibers.
Common Types of Carpet Beetles
- Varied Carpet Beetle (Anthrenus verbasci): This beetle has a mottled yellow, white, and black pattern on its wing cases and is about 2 to 3 mm long.
- Furniture Carpet Beetle (Anthrenus flavipes): Slightly larger than varied carpet beetles, these are round, black with white spots, and love to feed on upholstery.
- Black Carpet Beetle (Attagenus unicolor): The largest of the common species, it is black or dark brown and more elongated compared to others.
What Do Carpet Beetles Like and What Attracts Them?
Carpet beetles are attracted to materials with organic fibers such as wool, fur, felt, silk, feathers, and leather. Poor sanitation and the presence of easily accessible food sources can increase the likelihood of infestation.
Do Carpet Beetles Bite?
Carpet beetles do not bite humans; however, the bristly hairs of the larvae can irritate the skin, sometimes causing a reaction that may resemble bites.
What Do Carpet Beetle Eggs Look Like?
The eggs of carpet beetles are tiny, white, and oval-shaped. They are often laid in dark, secluded areas where larvae will have immediate access to food upon hatching.
Symptoms of Carpet Beetle Rash
Contact with carpet beetle larvae can cause a skin reaction known as carpet beetle rash. It is characterized by red bumps and severe itching. Symptoms typically include:
- Red, itchy welts on the skin
- Bumps that may appear to be hives or blisters
- A rash that appears after contact with infested materials
How Do I Know If It Is a Bed Bug or Carpet Beetle?
Bed bugs are generally nocturnal and bite humans to feed on blood, resulting in rows or clusters of bites. Conversely, carpet beetles are drawn to fabrics and do not bite but may cause a rash due to their hair fibers.
Ways to Prevent Carpet Beetles
There are a few ways to prevent carpet beetles. Regular vacuuming and cleaning to remove pet hair, lint, and dust is one way. Another is to store clothing and fabrics in well-sealed containers or garment bags. Lastly, promptly repair any cracks or crevices that may serve as entry points
How to Get Rid of Carpet Beetles?
Eradicating carpet beetles involves a multi-step approach:
1. Thorough Cleaning: Vacuuming carpets, furniture, and curtains regularly to remove eggs, larvae, and food sources.
2. Laundering: Washing affected fabrics in hot water to kill any beetles.
3. Insecticides: Applying appropriate insecticides to infested areas (always follow manufacturer’s instructions).
4. Professional Extermination Services: If the infestation is severe, seeking professional help may be necessary.
Pest Control Maintenance
Now that you know about carpet beetles, let’s take a look at a few other areas of pest control maintenance in the home. One of those is what fleas look like. They have small flat bodies that have hard plates and long legs. It is important to know so you can keep an eye out for them in your home.
Another is identifying that you have a pest infestation. Signs of this include droppings, ant hills, plant damage, and nesting. Indoors you may also see droppings, as well as holes, and gnaw marks.
Lastly, flies can become bothersome and citronella is a way to repel them. To do this, using a citronella candle is a good idea, as well as oil diffusers, sprays, and citronella plants.
When Do I Contact a Professional?
It may be time to contact a professional pest control company if an infestation persists despite home treatment. Also, if there is extensive damage to fabrics and textiles. Lastly, you cannot identify the source of the infestation. You want to get the carpet beetles under control so reaching out to a professional is important.
Take a look at the video below about how to get rid of carpet beetles.
Conclusion
Being proactive and maintaining cleanliness are key strategies in preventing carpet beetle infestations. Although they don’t pose serious health risks, their potential for damage makes it important to address any signs of their presence promptly. Regular monitoring and integrated pest management can help keep these unwelcome guests at bay. Reach out to AAA pest control to get your carpet beetles and other pest issues under control in Oakland Park, FL, and the surrounding South Florida areas.