What are Carpet Beetles?

Carpet beetles are small insects that can cause significant damage to household fabrics and stored goods. Adult carpet beetles are typically 2 to 4 millimeters long, oval-shaped, and may appear black, mottled brown, or patterned with white, yellow, or orange scales. While adults are often found near windows feeding on pollen, it is the larvae that cause the most damage. Carpet beetle larvae feed on natural fibers such as wool, silk, fur, feathers, and even stored food, making them a common pest in homes, museums, and commercial spaces.

Signs of Carpet Beetle Infestation

• Irregular holes or thinning in clothing, carpets, or upholstered furniture
• Shed larval skins near infested materials
• Small, hairy larvae resembling tiny caterpillars in dark corners or along baseboards
• Adult beetles appearing near windows or light sources
• Accumulated lint or debris that contains live larvae or beetle bodies

Why They are a Problem

Carpet beetles are destructive because their larvae feed on natural fibers and can ruin clothing, carpets, furniture, and stored goods. Infestations are often overlooked until significant damage is done. In addition to damaging fabrics, carpet beetles can also contaminate stored food products such as grains, flour, and cereals. Some people develop allergic reactions to the tiny hairs of the larvae, which can cause skin irritation.

Where Do They Come From?

Carpet beetles often enter homes through open doors, windows, or by hitching a ride on flowers, clothing, or infested items. Once inside, they lay eggs in dark, undisturbed areas such as closets, under furniture, in air ducts, or along baseboards. Their larvae thrive in hidden spaces where lint, hair, pet fur, and food crumbs collect. They are highly adaptable and can survive in a wide range of environments, making prevention challenging.

How to Get Rid of Carpet Beetles at Home

If you are looking for how to get rid of carpet beetles, here are some safe and effective steps you can take:

• Vacuum carpets, rugs, and upholstered furniture thoroughly to remove larvae and eggs
• Wash infested clothing and bedding in hot water and dry them on high heat
• Store vulnerable items like wool or silk in airtight containers
• Regularly clean baseboards, closets, and areas where lint and pet hair accumulate
• Use sticky traps to monitor beetle activity around windows and storage areas
• Reduce access to natural fiber items by keeping closets organized and clean

These actions may reduce the population, but since beetles hide in cracks and undisturbed areas, complete control usually requires professional treatment.

Carpet Beetles vs Bed Bugs

Many people confuse carpet beetles vs bed bugs because both may be found in bedrooms. The key differences are:

• Carpet beetles are small, round beetles that feed on fabrics and natural fibers, while bed bugs are flat, reddish-brown insects that feed on blood.
• Carpet beetle larvae cause damage to materials, while bed bugs leave bite marks on the skin.
• Carpet beetles are often found near windows or in closets, while bed bugs are typically hidden in mattresses, box springs, and bed frames.

How We Can Help

At Go Away Pest & Wildlife Control, we provide complete solutions for carpet beetle infestations. Our team inspects your property to identify hiding spots, eliminates beetles at every stage of their life cycle, and applies safe, targeted treatments. We also recommend long-term prevention strategies such as improved storage practices and sealing entry points. With our expertise, you can protect your fabrics, clothing, and home from costly damage caused by carpet beetles.