How to Get Rid of Carpet Beetles in Your Home

Carpet beetles prefer dark, undisturbed areas where they can lay their eggs and feed without interruption. Common hiding spots include closets, attics, basements, and underneath furniture. They are also drawn to areas with pet fur and debris, making pet bedding and carpets susceptible to infestation. Additionally, carpet beetles may enter your home through openings such as windows, doors, and vents, so it's essential to seal any potential entry points to prevent infestations.

How to Determine if You Have Carpet Beetles?

Identifying a carpet beetle infestation requires careful observation of your home's fabrics and surroundings. Look out for small holes or irregular patterns in carpets, upholstery, clothing, and linens, as these may indicate feeding damage from carpet beetle larvae. You may also find shed skins, fecal pellets, or even adult beetles crawling around your home. If you suspect a carpet beetle infestation, it's crucial to act quickly to prevent further damage.

How to Get Rid of Carpet Beetles: Natural Solutions

Carpet beetles can be a persistent nuisance in homes, causing much damage if left unchecked. Fortunately, there are several natural solutions you can use to eliminate these pests without resorting to harsh chemicals.

1. Regular Vacuuming: Vacuuming your carpets, upholstery, and other fabrics regularly can help remove adult beetles, larvae, and eggs from your home. Pay special attention to areas where carpet beetles are likely to hide, such as along baseboards, in corners, and underneath furniture.
2. Steam Cleaning: A carpet cleaning service using hot steam can kill carpet beetle larvae and eggs hiding deep within carpet fibers. Steam cleaning is particularly useful for large infestations or heavily soiled carpets.
3. Freezing Infested Items: If you discover carpet beetle larvae in clothing, linens, or other fabric items, consider placing them in the freezer for a few days. The cold temperatures will kill the larvae and prevent them from causing further damage.
4. Essential Oils: Some essential oils, such as lavender, peppermint, or clove, are known to have repellent properties against carpet beetles. Mix a few drops of your chosen essential oil with water and spray it onto carpets, upholstery, and other infested areas to discourage beetles from returning.

How to Get Rid of Carpet Beetles: Chemicals

While natural solutions can be effective for controlling carpet beetle infestations, severe cases may require the use of chemical treatments. When used correctly and according to label instructions, certain insecticides can effectively eliminate carpet beetles from your home. 

1. Insecticides: In severe cases of carpet beetle infestation, insecticides may be necessary to eliminate the pests effectively. Look for insecticides labeled for use against carpet beetles and follow the manufacturer's instructions closely.
2. Boric Acid: Boric acid is a common household chemical that can be used to kill carpet beetles. Sprinkle boric acid powder in areas where carpet beetles are active, such as along baseboards, in closets, and underneath furniture. Be cautious when using boric acid around pets and children, as it can be toxic if swallowed.
3. Pyrethrin Sprays: Pyrethrin-based insecticide sprays are another option for controlling carpet beetles. These sprays are effective against adult beetles but may not reach eggs or larvae hiding deep within carpets. Use pyrethrin sprays according to instructions and avoid excessive use to minimize environmental impact.

How to Keep Carpet Beetles from Coming Back

Preventing carpet beetle infestations demands continuous upkeep to ensure a clean, pest-free home. By adopting simple strategies, you can prevent future infestations and safeguard your belongings.

1. Regular Cleaning: Maintaining a clean and clutter-free home is key to preventing carpet beetle infestations. Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and other fabrics regularly to remove debris and potential food sources for beetles.
2. Seal Cracks and Openings: Seal any cracks or openings in walls, windows, doors, and vents to prevent carpet beetles from entering your home. Pay attention to areas where pipes, cables, and wires enter your home, as these can serve as entry points for pests.
3. Storage: Store clothing, linens, and other fabric items in sealed containers to protect them from carpet beetle infestation. Consider using plastic bins with tight-fitting lids or vacuum-sealed storage bags to keep beetles out.

Follow these strategies to eliminate carpet beetles and prevent future infestations. Be thorough and address underlying issues attracting beetles. If you need it, don't hesitate to seek professional help from a reputable pest control or carpet cleaning service.

For Expert Carpet Cleaning Services, Reach Out to Superior Cleaning & Restoration at (715) 768-6030

If your carpet cleaning attempts weren’t successful, or you’re not confident in getting rid of carpet beetles, the Superior Cleaning & Restoration team is here to help! Our expert team with years of experience is always excited about a new carpet cleaning challenge. So, call us today! We offer free estimates, and yours is just to call at (715) 768-6030 or reach us through our web platform.