Carpet Beetle Facts & Information

How Orkin Can Help Get Rid of Carpet Beetles

Your local Orkin Pro is trained to help manage carpet beetles and similar pests. Since every building or home is different, your Orkin Pro will design a unique beetle treatment program for your situation.

Orkin can provide the right solution to keep carpet beetles in their place...out of your home, or business.

What do carpet beetles look like?

• Length: Most species of carpet beetle measure 1 to 4 mm in length as adults

• Body: Their bodies are oval-shaped.

• Color: black, white and yellow patterned coloration. Some species of carpet beetle may also exhibit orange coloration.

• Larvae: typically are light brown to black and covered in dense, sometimes barbed, hairs. Three distinct golden hairs are located upon the abdomen at this stage of development. They usually are slightly larger than the adult beetles and measure approximately 2.5 cm in length.

What do carpet beetles eat?

Adult beetles feed on seeds, plants, and flowers. Larvae, however, feed on a variety of animal and plant-based materials, including:

• Animal hair

• Felt

• Fur

• Leather

• Silk

• Wool

Where do carpet beetles live?

Adult carpet beetles can live both indoors and out, but females prefer to lay eggs where larval food sources are abundant. These pests enter homes through doors, windows, and similar entrances. They can also be brought in by way of cut plants and flowers. Some live inside the nests of birds or other animals and can live in walls or chimneys, feeding on dead insects and animals.

Carpet Beetle Reproduction

In spring, female carpet beetles lay 25 to 100 eggs, which hatch into larvae within two weeks. Carpet beetle larvae are able to mature under a variety of humidity levels and temperatures, although they tend to avoid bright areas. Depending on food sources and climate, larvae may take over a year to develop into adults. As they develop, they shed their brown skins. Learn more about the carpet beetle lifecycle.

Carpet Beetle Droppings

Carpet beetle droppings resemble small, black or brown pepper-like specks and may be found in areas where these pests are active. The presence of these droppings is a clear sign of an infestation, indicating that larvae have been feeding on organic materials nearby. Regularly checking for these droppings can help in early detection and prompt action to manage carpet beetle problems effectively. Contact your local Orkin branch to learn more about beetle control.

Carpet Beetle Facts

Beetles – General Facts

Beetles are a diverse group of insects known for their hard exoskeletons and varying diets, which can include wood, plants, and other organic materials. They can become pests in homes and gardens, causing damage to furniture, crops, and stored food, making effective pest control essential.

Black Carpet Beetles

Black carpet beetles are small, dark insects that feed on natural fibers like wool, silk, and leather, as well as dried meat and plants. While adults do not cause damage, their larvae can infest homes and lead to significant damage to textiles and stored food.

Boric Acid and Carpet Beetles

Boric acid can be an effective treatment for carpet beetles, as it acts as an insecticide that targets their digestive systems.

Carpet Beetle Bites

While carpet beetles themselves do not bite, their larvae can cause skin reactions when they come into contact with sensitive skin, leading to discomfort.

Carpet Beetle Damage and Problems

Carpet beetles can cause significant damage to fabrics, carpets, and stored food items, as their larvae feed on natural fibers and organic materials.

Carpet Beetle Eggs

Carpet beetle eggs are small, round, and typically laid in hidden areas like carpets, rugs, and fabric storage.

Carpet Beetle Infestation

Signs of carpet beetle infestation include holes in textiles and the presence of adult beetles or larvae, making early detection and prompt treatment crucial to preventing extensive damage.

Carpet Beetle Larvae

Carpet beetle larvae are small, often covered in bristles, and can cause significant damage by feeding on natural fibers in carpets, clothing, and upholstery.

Around the House

Carpet beetle larvae can be found in various areas of the home, particularly in dark, undisturbed spaces like closets, attics, and under furniture.

Carpet Beetle Larvae in Furniture

Carpet beetle larvae can infest furniture, particularly undisturbed spots like upholstery and cushions, where they feed on natural fibers, leading to potential damage.

Do Carpet Beetles Fly?

Carpet beetles can fly, but their flight is typically limited, as they are more likely to crawl than fly long distances.

Life Cycle of Carpet Beetles

The carpet beetle life cycle includes four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The larvae feed on organic materials, which can cause damage to textiles in homes, making it essential to understand this cycle for effective pest management.

What Eats Carpet Beetle Larvae?

Many predators, such as certain ants and spiders, eat carpet beetle larvae, but they do not effectively control their populations indoors.

Can You Spray For Carpet Beetles?

Yes, you can spray for carpet beetles using appropriate insecticides designed for indoor use. It's essential to follow label instructions for safe and effective treatment, focusing on areas where beetles are likely to hide.

Carpet Beetle in Dorm Room

Carpet beetles can infest dorm rooms, often entering through items like clothing or bedding.

Carpet Beetle Larvae Found in Basement

Finding carpet beetle larvae in the basement indicates a potential infestation, as they thrive in dark, undisturbed areas.

How to Get Rid of Carpet Beetles

To get rid of carpet beetles, thorough cleaning is essential, including vacuuming carpets, rugs, and upholstery to remove larvae and eggs. Washing infested items in hot water and sealing food sources can help, but professional pest control services may be necessary for severe infestations to ensure effective treatment.