CARPET BEETLE PREVENTION TIPS
It can be very frustrating to find that random holes have been chewed through your new carpet or one of your favorite shirts. Most of us don’t know how those holes got there or why this has happened so suddenly. So what pest could be causing this? And why is it causing so much trouble for homeowners and their belongings?
What Are Carpet Beetles?
Carpet beetles are often the cause for unexplained damage, specifically holes in material items. Carpet beetles can go unnoticed by homeowners because they are only about a 1/8 of an inch long and blend in with their surroundings. There are two species of carpet beetles commonly found in New Jersey: the black carpet beetle and the varied carpet beetle.
What Do Carpet Beetles Look Like?
In both cases, the adult carpet beetles are oval shaped and the larvae are about twice as long as the adult. The black carpet beetle ranges in color from black to a dark reddish brown, while the larvae are carrot-shaped with a tuft of fur at the end of their body and range in color from golden to chocolate brown. The varied carpet beetle has colored scales, usually a combination of white, yellow and black, resembling a mosaic tile arrangement. The larvae are usually cream or tan in color and covered in tiny hairs. Carpet beetles are found in homes, warehouses, and museums. This is because the larvae feed on natural fibers that clothing, carpets, upholstered furniture, furs and blankets consist of. Surprisingly, adult carpet beetles don’t actually cause any of the damage.
How to Prevent Carpet Beetles
So how can you prevent these pests from getting into your home in the first place? It isn’t easy. Because they are so small, they can go undetected even under the watchful eye of the homeowner. They can even be brought in on flowers or plants.
Two Tips to Prevent Carpet Beetles
- Inspect new plants and flowers very carefully
- Maintain the cleanliness of your home, particularly by vacuuming and dusting regularly. By doing this you are removing lint, hair, dead insects, etc. that carpet beetles will feed on.
If you suspect that you have an infestation, or had an infestation that was solved by your local pest control company, you can prevent re-population by washing all material and clothing thoroughly.
What to Do if You See Carpet Beetles in Your Home
If you have noticed any signs of a carpet beetle infestation and live in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, or the Eastern Shore of Maryland, contact Viking Pest Control to help solve your carpet beetle problems. Our professional pest control specialists will inspect your home, identify your problem, and provide effective treatment options to solve it. Our technicians are trained to locate carpet beetles, as they can hide in numerous places in the home and can be difficult for untrained homeowners to locate.
Carpet Beetle Pest Control Service
Our Convenience Plus and Premier Home Protection Plans not only offer the initial service and treatment, but also offers seasonal services in the spring, summer, fall/winter. This provides homeowners with the protection they deserve against potential pest invasions. Any problems that do arise in between services are on us—we will return for a free unlimited service request. In order to prevent carpet beetles from entering and causing damage to your home, you need a team to back you up. Viking Pest Control can do just that!
Call Viking at 800-618-2847 to learn more about our carpet beetle control and extermination services, or get a fast, free quote online today!
