All About Carpet Beetles

Need to get rid of beetles? Read on to learn the answers to all of your important questions. Need help? Call our professionals today to get started.

What Are Carpet Beetles?

Carpet beetles are similarly sized to bed bugs but are black with a white pattern and orange scales, or black all over. Adult carpet beetles are oval shaped, have wings and fly during the daytime. Carpet beetles do not bite humans but people who are allergic to them might find itchy welts that come from being exposed to the hairs of the carpet beetle. 

The Black Carpet Beetle

The black carpet beetle is the most common and most destructive of all the important carpet beetle varieties. Black carpet beetles damage household products that contain keratin, the main protein found in animal hair. Black carpet beetles also eat organic products like cereals and grains as well as synthetic materials and fabrics. Black carpet beetles can be found everywhere in the United States but are most common east of the Rockies and in northern states. Beetle larval hairs and blood can commonly cause allergic reactions in humans.

Carpet Beetle Damage

Carpet beetle larvae eat fabric and animal products and can thrive in homes if undisturbed. Larvae do the most damage in homes by eating holes into natural fiber items. When carpet beetles mature into adulthood, they stop eating fabric items and eat pollen instead. Adults are not considered a nuisance other than that they are attracted to light. Larvae are the destructive part of the carpet beetle infestation and adult carpet beetle sightings are typically the first sign that you have an infestation. It also means that there are carpet beetle eggs and larvae in your home. 

Who Can Help With My Carpet Beetle Problem?

If you suspect you might have a carpet beetle infestation, call Pest Control Experts for a recommendation on a pest control specialist. We can point you in the direction of one of our network of local experts who are sure to help you beat your carpet beetle problem.