CARPET BEETLE INFESTATION INFORMATION & FACTS

Carpet beetles grow to be 1 to 4 mm in size. There are three carpet beetle species common to North America: the black carpet beetle, the furniture carpet beetle and the varied carpet beetle. Black carpet beetles are shiny-black in colour with brownish legs. Furniture carpet beetles are covered in yellow and white spots with black scales. Varied carpet beetles feature a mixture of white, brown, and yellow.

These pests enter the home through doors, improperly sealed windows and other small openings. While adult beetles feed on seeds, plants and flowers, carpet beetle larvae are much more destructive, consuming fabric or fur. Carpet beetle infestations tend to go unnoticed for long periods of time, allowing them to cause severe damage to bedding, clothes, pillows, carpets and upholstered furniture.

Females lay 25 to 100 carpet beetle eggs, which hatch into larvae within two weeks. Depending on food sources and climate, carpet beetle larvae may take over a year to develop into adults.

A major part of carpet beetle control is through regular vacuuming to prevent the accumulation of lint, hair, and other carpet beetle food materials.

If you see signs of carpet beetle infestation, contact Environmental Pest Control. Their technicians know how to get rid of carpet beetles and can consult on methods to prevent future infestations.