Carpet beetles are nuisance pests that can cause significant disruption and damage to property within our homes. Knowing how to get rid of carpet beetles is important for fast and effective treatment.

What are carpet beetles?

Carpet beetles are small oval-shaped insects that damage natural fibers in carpets, rugs, upholstery, clothing and other items.

As is so often the case, it is the larva that does all the damage.

They are mostly brown, with white or yellow markings and are covered in short, bristly hairs, hence their well-known ‘woolly bear’ moniker.

How to get rid of carpet beetles

To get rid of carpet beetles you can begin by giving the infested room a thorough hoover, focusing on carpet, rugs and crevices where larvae may be residing.

To treat carpet beetles permanently we recommend using professional products. These effectively target and halt their lifecycle for complete elimination and future protection.

Our carpet beetle sprays can be applied directly to high activity areas including carpets, rugs, pet beds for instant elimination.

To treat carpet beetles hiding in cracks and crevices we recommend using a carpet beetle powder that can be sprinkled into these areas.

Our carpet beetle elimination bundle contains a spray and powder in one handy set for maximum control. Tip: Once applied, leave any spray or powder for 2 hours before hoovering,

Alternatively, smoke bombs can be used in your home to treat all areas of a room quickly. Once ignited the fumes will eliminate any larvae it encounters wherever it may be hiding.

Note: Ensure to follow our safety advice on using smoke bombs in your home.

What causes carpet beetles?

The main cause of carpet beetles is related to the lifecycle of the insect. Adult beetles dwell mainly outdoors, but after mating, the female searches out a place to lay her eggs.

A prime location for the female to lay eggs is in dark, safe areas often untouched that are rich in natural fibers e.g. blankets, carpets, rugs etc.

These provide an abundant supply of food for developing larvae.

Common causes of carpet beetles include;

• Homes with more carpets and rugs are naturally a greater target.
• Bringing in secondhand furniture that was previously infected.
• Lack of cleanliness around the home e.g. not hoovering or leaving rooms untouched for long periods.

How to prevent carpet beetles?

• Ensure rooms in your home are regularly cleaned and vacuumed, in particular ones with carpets and rugs. Hoovering is even more important if you have pets as the larvae can feed on fur.
• Throw out any unwanted fibers to reduce potential food sources. These include wool, fur, feather, hair, silk.
• Carpet beetles can fly and will enter your home through open windows, doors and any cracks or crevices. Make sure to keep windows and doors shut and seal up any obvious entry points.
• Be cautious of bringing secondhand furniture into your home that may have been previously infected.

What do carpet beetles eat?

Carpet beetles particularly their larvae feed on natural fibers such as wool, silk, cashmere, causing damage to carpet, rugs, blankets and other upholstery. They also feed on feathered items such as pillows, coats and furs.

Will hoovering get rid of carpet beetles?

Yes, regular vacuuming can help get rid of potential food sources and disrupt the lifecycle of any existing carpet beetles.

How long do carpet beetles live?

A carpet beetle's complete life cycle typically lasts from 9 months to 2 years depending on environmental conditions.

Can carpet beetles fly?

Yes, carpet beetles can fly. They develop wings once they reach adulthood. These wings are then used to enter homes through open windows and doors.