How to Get Rid of Carpet Beetles Permanently

There are several simple procedures on how to get rid of carpet beetles permanently in your home. Carpet beetles are bugs tho not deadly but could cause potential harm to your carpet costing you money.

In this article, We have listed the simple and effective procedures on how to get rid of carpet beetles permanently. As you read on, you’ll get to know more.

 Facts You Need to Know About Carpet Beetles

How To Get Rid Of Carpet Beetles Permanently
Carpet Beetles

 

As intruder insects go, carpet beetles rank high on the list of destructive potential. Adults of this species measure less than a quarter of an inch in length and might be all black or have a tan, white, and black pattern.

If you suspect an infestation, look for signs of it near openings like windows and doors. Carpet beetles may be annoying, but only their larvae, which resemble tiny hairy worms, cause damage to organic materials.

 

Read also: Do Carpet Beetles Bite Dogs?

 

What do Carpet Beetles Eat?

Carpet beetles prefer natural fibers such as cotton, linen, silk, and wool over synthetic ones, which are found in cheaper items like synthetic garments, blankets, and carpets.

Some carpet beetles enjoy a meal of dried flowers, potpourri, and even animal hides.

Unfortunately, several kinds of carpet beetles also eat dry pet food, flour, maize meal, and pasta, so these insects can find a meal in the family pantry.

 

Where do Carpet Beetles Live?

Don’t assume these insects just infest carpets because of their common name. They like the dark, so look behind the baseboards and in the cupboards and drawers (especially where furs or wool clothing is stored).

Carpet beetles are also likely to congregate in dust bunnies under furniture and in corners, especially if these areas also harbor pet fur and dander.

They can also find a comfortable home in the folds and crannies of couches, chairs, and other pieces of upholstered furniture.

 

How to Recognize an Infestation

Because of how small and unobtrusive carpet beetle eggs are, most people don’t realize they have an infestation until they begin to notice damage to their clothing or other textiles.

More extensive damage can be seen in areas where carpet beetles have feasted in large numbers, as the larger holes reflect adjoined areas of damage.

This can manifest as fraying at the edges of garments or as holes in the upholstery of furniture. Shortening of the carpet’s nap or the appearance of uneven open spaces in the weave are two telltale signs.

 

How They Reproduce

An adult carpet beetle can live anywhere from two months to several years. Carpet beetle larvae can go without eating for weeks, but it’s during this time that the insects do the most damage.

More than 100 eggs are laid by adults, and the young usually emerge between seven and thirty-five days later.

 

Read also: How to Get Rid of Carpet Beetles; Carpet Beetles Infestation

 

How to Get Rid of Carpet Beetles Permanently

Do you know how to get rid of carpet beetles? Once carpet beetles have been located, they may typically be eliminated without the help of an expensive exterminator.

Here are six strategies for combating damaging larvae, as well as a treatment that will permanently eliminate adult carpet beetles.

 

1. Boric Acid

How To Get Rid Of Carpet Beetles Permanently

A toxin for insect metabolism, boric acid is harmful to humans only when taken orally or inhaled in significant doses.

Shop for it in powder form in the laundry section of your local supermarket or pharmacy.

Spread it around with a dusting brush or broom and then gently brush it into the carpet fibers. Don’t bother vacuuming for a few hours.

A spray that is effective against larvae can be made by dissolving one tablespoon of boric acid in two cups of boiling water.

Spray the solution on the drapes, furniture, baseboards, and any other dark surfaces using a plastic spray bottle.

 

2. Diatomaceous Earth

How To Get Rid Of Carpet Beetles Permanently

To avoid inhaling the fine dust particles, use a respirator or mask when applying “food grade” diatomaceous earth, which is safe for both animals and people.

Diatomaceous earth is another natural product that can be purchased from agricultural feed stores and numerous online vendors.

It is a desiccant that can quickly kill larvae by dehydrating them. Rugs can be treated using the same way as boric acid, and the acid can also be sprinkled in dark places like the back of closets and under beds for pets.

 

Read also: Carpet Beetle Droppings

 

3. Cleaning with a vacuum cleaner and steam

How To Get Rid Of Carpet Beetles Permanently

The larvae and eggs of carpet beetles are susceptible to heat, therefore using a steam cleaner to destroy and remove them is an effective tactic.

Carpet beetles can be eradicated with routine vacuuming, often before they cause significant harm. Use the appropriate attachments to thoroughly clean upholstery and curtains.

 

4. Vinegar

How To Get Rid Of Carpet Beetles Permanently

If you find carpet beetle eggs or larvae in your closet or dresser drawers, you can get rid of them by washing the affected clothes in a solution of vinegar and water.

Carpet bugs can be repelled with either white or apple cider vinegar. Empty vinegar into a spray bottle and liberally spritz it on fabrics, carpets, and upholstery.

 

5. Fog

Even though adult female carpet beetles are no longer a threat because they cannot devour your belongings, they can still be a nuisance because of their erratic flying.

Worse, if they are left alone, they will reproduce and the cycle will begin again.

Foggers designed specifically for killing flying insects can be used to get rid of adult beetles, and you should always have some sort of flying insect spray on hand in case any new beetles show up.

 

6. Insecticide

How To Get Rid Of Carpet Beetles Permanently

Use caution while applying insecticides around humans and animals.

Insecticides containing deltamethrin, bifenthrin, or cyfluthrin should be used to get rid of larvae in carpets and upholstered furniture.

Before applying the product everywhere, make sure it doesn’t stain by testing it first.

 

Read also: Carpet Bugs That Look Like Bed Bugs

 

Solution Strategies for Future Infestations

Maintain a routine of weekly dusting, sweeping, and vacuuming to prevent carpet beetles from settling in. As soon as the carpet beetles are gone, it’s important to take some precautions to ensure they don’t return.

You can prevent adult carpet beetles from entering your home by hanging strips of flypaper near the windows. Carpet beetle egg laying can be prevented by setting out sticky pheromone traps on window sills and in closets.

Carpet beetles love dirty clothes, so make sure you wash and dry your clothes well before putting them away.   Store dry goods like flour and pasta in sealed containers to prevent spoilage.

 

Rapping Up

Getting to this point, trust you have unveiled how to get rid of carpet beetles permanently. Carpet beetles love dirty clothes, so do well to always wash clothes and clean your house always.

Do you have any questions on how to get rid of carpet beetles? Let us know in the comment section.

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