Carpet beetles can find the perfect combination of conditions and set up a home in your home. Similar to clothes moths, the pests feed not only on carpets but also on items composed of wool, fur, felt, silk, feathers, skins, and leather. Such materials contain keratin, a fibrous animal protein which the larvae are able to digest. Cotton and synthetic fabrics such as polyester and rayon are rarely attacked (unless blended with wool.) Infestations of carpet beetles can develop undetected, causing harm to vulnerable items.
The most common species of carpet beetles share the same type of life cycle stages: egg, larval, pupal and adult. The larva, or worm-like stage, is the most damaging since it is the feeding stage. Female beetles lay about 50-100 eggs, so radicating the carpet beetle larvae is so important to controlling this pest.
Carpet beetles are common in dwellings, and their damage is often mistaken for that of clothes moths. You may see tiny adult carpet beetles fly toward lights or crawling on floors: oval, reddish-brown or yellow, slightly larger than a pinhead. In poor lighting , they are very hard to identify.
Adult carpet beetles feed on flower pollen and do not damage woolens and other fabrics. In springtime, they often appear on windowsills, suggesting an infestation may be present inside the home. While some breeding sites may be obvious (e.g., a wool rug stored in a closet), others can be subtle—for example, accumulation of pet hair associated with baseboards, air vents and ducts.
Unlike clothes moths, some varieties of carpet beetle will also infest seeds, cereals, pet food, and other plant-based materials. Because of this diverse diet, the pests may be found virtually anywhere in homes, often making elimination a challenge.
To eliminate carpet beetles, you must locate all infested items. Carpet beetles prefer to dwell in dark, undisturbed areas where susceptible items are stored for long periods. Therefore, when inspecting clothing, pay attention to seams, folds, creases and collars where larvae prefer to feed. Larvae also tend to infest the lower edges of rugs and carpeting.
Mummert Home Services will search your home during treatment. For example, they might use needle-nose pliers to lift the outer edge of wall-to-wall carpet from the tack strip along baseboards. Other possible locations include under/within upholstered furniture, or inside floor vents and ducts with accumulations of pet hair and lint.
As with clothes moths, the best way to avoid problems with carpet beetles is prevention. Woolens and other susceptible items should be dry-cleaned or laundered before being stored for long periods. Cleaning kills any eggs or larvae that may be present, and removes perspiration odors that tend to attract pests. Articles to be stored should then be packed in tight-fitting plastic bags or containers.
Householders intending to use moth balls, flakes or crystals should carefully read and follow label directions. Some of the volatile, odiferous products can be hazardous if used incorrectly. Never scatter them in open closets or other areas where children or pets can reach them.
Contrary to popular belief, cedar closets or chests are seldom effective in deterring fabric pests. The door or drawer design is insufficient to seal and maintain a sufficient concentration of the volatile oil of cedar.
If you are faced with an active infestation, call Mummert Home Services now. The technicians will work quickly and safely to save your items from further damage.
Now that you have rid your home of these pests don’t risk a further infestation by keeping it clean. The easiest way to prevent a further infestation is to keep your home clean which will remove food sources for hungry beetle larvae. Vacuum frequently. Schedule Mummert Home Services regularly to clean fabrics, rugs, carpets, and upholstery so that hair and skin cells are removed.
Seal any cracks. Check your home for spaces that beetles could use to enter your home.
Keeping doors and windows closed is a way to stop beetles entering your home. If leaving your windows open is necessary during warmer days, you can invest in screens for doors and windows.
For even more security, buy synthetic materials. Carpet beetles will eat their way through most substances, but they only eat organic materials. So, if you want to take additional measures then choose synthetic products when furnishing your home.
Your house (and your carpets) are an extension of your life. You want to feel safe, clean and protected in your home. Having a truly professional carpet care company on your side will help you through difficult cleaning problems, such as carpet beetles, bed bugs, fleas and other infestations.
Mummert Home Services is a locally owned and operated company serving Harrisburg, PA and the surrounding areas. Mummert always uses industry best cleaning methods and advanced equipment to make your home shine. Located in Harrisburg, they also serve customers in York, and surrounding counties.