September 2015
Carpet beetles are persistent pests that can cause severe damage to carpets, clothing and other fabrics.
These outdoor pests enter through windows in condo buildings. They nest in carpets and baseboards.
Adult carpet beetles are oval-shaped and slightly larger than the head of a pin. Most have a black/gray or black/brown pattern. Some may have yellow or white on their back. Carpet beetles move slowly and roll over when touched.
Carpet beetles can be found in the carpet, particularly if the carpeting is in a closet or other dark location. They are also attracted to clothing, upholstered furniture and items made of fur or feathers. All serve as their food source. They can be found in food cabinets, dog food, fresh flowers and paint brushes. Baseboards and air ducts are other common locations. Since carpet beetles often enter a condo through a window, they can be found on window sills.
Spring and fall periods are peak seasons for carpet beetles.
Getting rid of carpet beetles takes patience and persistence
Getting rid of carpet beetles takes patience and persistence.
Carpet beetles are among the most difficult indoor pests to control because of their ability to find food in obscure places and to disperse widely throughout a building. Successful control requires a combination of sanitation and exclusion. If exclusion and sanitation are successful, insecticide treatments aren’t required.
Eliminate accumulations of lint, hair, dead insects and other debris that serve as food for carpet beetles. Throw out badly infested items. Remove old spider webs and bird, rodent, bee and wasp nests from outer areas. Before bringing flowers home, examine them for adult beetles. Repair damaged window screens. Ensure that window screens, doors and vents are secure to prevent carpet beetles from flying into your home from outside.
Keep your home clean. Regular and thorough cleaning of rugs, drapes, closets, upholstered furniture and other locations where carpet beetles can reside is important. Frequent vacuuming is an effective way to remove food sources along with carpet beetle eggs, larvae and adult insects.
Food and perspiration stains on fabrics can attract carpet beetles. Launder washable items in hot water or have them dry-cleaned.
If insecticides are necessary, seek out a product that lists carpet beetles on its label. Spray wherever carpet beetles are found including the edges of floor coverings, beneath rugs and furniture, floors and walls of closets, shelving where susceptible fabrics are stored, cracks and crevices, and other areas that accumulate lint.
