How To Get Rid Of Carpet Beetles For Good
It can be very upsetting to suddenly start finding holes in your beautiful carpet and upholstery. Not only are your prized possessions ruined, but this means you have a pest in your home. Holes around the home are the number one sign of carpet beetles. These pesky creatures are one of the most destructive insect invaders. They love to live in your carpet and snack on all sorts of different fabrics. Even though adult carpet beetles are harmless, it’s the larvae of this specimen that are the real menace. These tiny, hairy worms are a threat to all the natural fibers in your home. So, before they start to wreak even more havoc, let’s see how you can get rid of carpet beetles once and for all.
These pesky creatures are one of the most destructive insect invaders
In this article
What Are Carpet Beetles?
Carpet beetles are tiny but can cause a lot of damage to various household items. Their larvae, also known as woolly bears, are small, fuzzy and look like tiny furry caterpillars. They are no bigger than 5 mm. Once they turn into adults they start getting rounder in shape and look more like a beetle. They have six legs and antennae, and can be a variety of different colors – orange, black or with white specks. Adult carpet beetles can be anywhere from 2 mm to 4 mm long. In genera, the larvae do much more damage than the adults. These pests can find their way into your home in all sorts of ways. They can be brought in on flowers, through animals, skins, and already contaminated fabrics. Carpet beetles not only cause havoc on your possessions, but they can also cause skin irritation and allergic reactions in some people. However, they do not transmit any harmful diseases.
The larvae, also known as woolly bears, are small, fuzzy and look like tiny furry caterpillars
How To Get Rid Of Carpet Beetles
Don’t let the name fool you, these pests don’t only dwell in your carpet. They simply like dark areas near food options. For example, behind the baseboards, in the closet, in the carpet, in the crevices of your soda and so on. These places are also where you are likely to find the adults laying their eggs, as they prefer to do it close to food sources. They enjoy feasting on natural textiles like silk, wool, cotton and don’t eat synthetic fabrics. But they also don’t mind rummaging for your pantry for the occasional pasta, flour, or dry pet food. As you can see, they are menaces. That’s why it is important to stop them as fast as possible. Here are effective methods you can use to get rid of these pesky beetles and their larvae.
They enjoy feasting on natural textiles like silk, wool, cotton and don’t eat synthetic fabrics
#Boric acid
Boric acid is no friend to insects. This chemical compound is poisonous to their metabolic systems which eventually leads to their demise. You can purchase boric acid in most pharmacies and it is relatively non-toxic to both human and pets when used correctly. It should not be ingested or inhaled in large quantities. The acid comes in powder form so you can sprinkle it around your home, let it work and then vacuum. Or you can make a spray with two cups of warm water and a tablespoon of boric acid. Mist everything that is effected by the beetles and larvae.
Boric acid is no friend to insects
#Diatomaceous earth
This is a natural product that does a great job of killing carpet beetles by dehydrating them. All you need to do is sprinkle it, much like the boric acid, all over the affected areas. If you have small children and pets at home, it’s recommended you get the “food grade” diatomaceous earth as it is safer for humans and pets. Also make sure to wear the proper protection when dispersing it, like a mask, so you don’t breathe it in. After a while vacuum up and dispose of the bag.
This is a natural product that does a great job of killing carpet beetles
#Vinegar
Both white vinegar and apple cider vinegar are great natural ways to get rid of carpet beetles. The only downside is the pungent smell, but it is worth it knowing you will be soon beetle free. Just put either type of vinegar in a spray bottle and mist all the areas, surfaces and fabrics that you think are affected by the beetles.
Both white vinegar and apple cider vinegar are great natural ways to get rid of carpet beetles
#Steam cleaning and vacuum
Much like bed bugs, carpet beetles and their eggs do not like heat and moisture. That’s why it is recommended to take advantage of this weakness and steam clean every surface you possibly can. Vacuuming is also super effective. Since larvae and beetles love to munch on debris in the fabrics, vacuuming regularly means you will be cutting off their food source. Not only that but you can also vacuum up eggs and larvae without even noticing. So, double win.
Vacuuming regularly means you will be cutting off their food source
#Insecticides
If you have an active larvae infestation, you may have to go in strong to wipe it out. Insecticides aren’t the safest option to use indoors, so use this as a last resort. Make sure you choose a product that has at least one of these ingredients: cyfluthrin, deltamerhtin, or bifenthrin. Just make sure when using insecticide on carpets or upholstery to test it on a small area first to ensure it won’t stain. Oh, and always follow the manufacture’s instructions.
Insecticides aren’t the safest option to use indoors, so use this as a last resort
These were the most effective methods on how to get rid of carpet beetles. We hope you found this article useful. Now you know how to eliminate them once and for all, so they won’t bother your home ever again.
These were the most effective methods on how to get rid of carpet beetles
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