Although the carpet beetle is a small and inconspicuous insect, it can cause major problems in your home. Carpet beetles are often overlooked. By the time you realize they are in your home, they may have already caused significant damage. Carpet beetles love products of animal origin including woolens, feathers, and furs. In fact, they can actually cause more damage than clothes moths!
Carpet beetles usually come into your home through doors and windows, pets, or fresh-cut plants. They migrate from room to room in search of food and tend to hang out in dark areas near dead insects, animal skin, or hairs.
Carpet Beetle Larvae
Carpet beetle larvae may be more damaging than adult carpet beetles. Unlike the adult carpet beetle that feeds primarily on nectar and pollen, the immature larvae prefer carpet, furniture, hairs, and clothing. Carpet beetle larvae also love any fabric soiled with perspiration or oil-based stains. While they tend to prefer natural fibers, they will infest and destroy synthetic fabrics and materials as well. They are also found in pantries, feeding on grains, spices, nuts, cereals, and milled products.
Like the adult carpet beetle, larvae can also be found in dark and hidden areas around the house and often go undetected until they’ve cause significant damage.
Carpet Beetles on your Skin
Carpet beetles can also cause red bite-like welts on your skin. Unlike bed bugs, these welts are not caused by bites. They are actually allergic reactions to the long hairs on carpet beetle larvae. The hairs can penetrate into human skin and trigger the reaction. Additionally, carpet beetles are attracted to the carbon dioxide humans breathe out. This makes our beds, particularly our feather pillows great breeding areas for carpet beetles.
How do I get rid of them?
If you know your home is infested with carpet beetles or their larvae, it’s best to attack the problem head-on. First get rid of any clothing, upholstery, or fabric items that have been severely damaged. Wash any clothing and fabrics that were near the infestations in hot soapy water. Deep clean your floors, focusing on the dark or dusty corners where carpet beetles like to hide. Instead of sweeping or mopping the floors, try using a powerful vacuum to remove the beetles. Use the same powerful vacuum to remove the insects from your carpets.
After you’ve cleaned your home and washed exposed clothing and fabrics, call Baker’s Chem-Dry. Utilizing our revolutionary Chem-Dry green carbonated system, we will not only remove all traces of carpet beetles, we will thoroughly remove all dirt, oils, and contaminants from your carpet. Our carpet cleaning solutions are free of toxins and safe for everyone. Contact us today for a cleaner carpet tomorrow!
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