Signs You Have a Carpet Beetle Infestation in Your Home

Carpet beetles are small, round insects, often found in dark places like closets, attics and basements. They're usually brown or black and about 4 mm long. These bugs feed on animal and plant-based materials, including wool, fur, feathers and even dead insects. If you've ever seen a carpet beetle, you may have wondered if it could become a pest in your home. Unfortunately, carpet beetles can become a nuisance if you're not careful. 

Here are some signs to look out for if you have a carpet beetle infestation in your home. 

1. Spotting a Single Carpet Beetle

If you spot a single, long white worm crawling across your carpet, it is likely a sign of a more significant infestation of carpet beetle larvae that you cannot see. The larvae are too small to be seen without magnification, but the presence of the white worm indicates that their eggs are nearby.

If you spot multiple crawling beetles in your house, it is a sign that their numbers have increased, and they could cause considerable harm to your carpets in the long run. This also suggests a high possibility of their eggs being present in your home.

2. Damage to Wool, Rugs and Garments

Carpet beetles can cause harm to items made from wool, such as rugs, sweaters, socks, gloves and scarves. They can feed on these fabrics, leaving holes and damage in their wake.

If you spot a patch of discoloured fabric on your rug, then it's likely that carpet beetle larvae have been living in that area for an extended time. There aren't just one or two insects, but many make a home beneath your carpeting.

3. Beetle Larvae Skins 

Carpet beetle larvae have a peculiar habit of discarding their outer layer of skin as they mature. After consuming the wool or fabric on your furniture or rug, they will leave behind a collection of empty, light brown to white shells that look like cocoons. As the larvae grow, they shed their skins multiple times, leaving behind these brown, dead husks in the places they feed.

4. Bald Carpet Areas

When carpet beetles consume wool carpeting, bald patches will appear across the floor. These patches might be thin and look like small holes.

5. Irregular Holes in the Carpet

If you find any suspicious punctures in your carpets, it is important to thoroughly inspect every area to determine the source of the infestation.

6. Fecal Pellets 

Adult beetles produce droppings that look like tiny grains of corn or flour as they crawl around. These excrement pellets are wax-filled egg capsules, which are white. These pellets are too small to be easily seen on a carpet and look like dandruff. They are much smaller than the spots that the larvae leave behind when they feed.

Key Takeaways

Awareness of the signs of a carpet beetle infestation in your home is essential. Pay attention to the presence of larvae, eggs, or adult beetles, and keep an eye out for tiny holes or patches of fraying carpet. If you suspect you have a carpet beetle infestation, contact a professional pest controller to help you get rid of them.

Need help removing your pest problem safely and efficiently? D-Day Pest Control has got you covered. We offer commercial and residential pest control in Geelong along the Surf Coast or around the Bellarine Peninsula. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.