Are Carpet Beetles Harmful?

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This is our short answer. Click here if you’re looking for an in-depth examination of the risks of having carpet beetles in your home.

At Active Pest Control, people ask us about carpet beetles frequently, so we wanted to give you the definitive answer. Are carpet beetles harmful or not?

The short answer is – they can be. But not always.

In severe infestations, carpet beetles can cause problems, but most issues are fairly minor, so you shouldn’t get overly concerned yet. But it’s not actually the beetles themselves that cause problems – it’s their larvae. Their larvae consume fabric, which can lead to damage in clothing, upholstery, and other fibers including, yes, carpet.

Keep reading to dive deeper and learn more about when carpet beetles can cause problems and when you should be concerned.

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Explore More – Are Carpet Beetles Harmful?

Carpet beetles can quickly cause a lot of panic in homeowners. When you see these tiny bugs crawling on the floor, the first things you probably want to know are, “What are these things?” and “Should I be worried?”

Let’s explore.

What Are Carpet Beetles?

Carpet beetles have oval-shaped bodies with a scaly shell. They are known for eating away at fibers and materials and are mostly a nuisance pest. In small numbers, these pests are not harmful or dangerous, but a severe infestation can lead to significant damage to carpets, clothing, and upholstery.

There are several different types of carpet beetles, including:

• Varied Carpet Beetle (Anthrenus verbasci)
• Black Carpet Beetle (Attagenus unicolor)
• Furniture Carpet Beetle (Anthrenus flavipes)
• Common Carpet Beetle (Anthrenus scrophulariae)
• Two-Spotted Carpet Beetle (Attagenus pellio)
• Brown Carpet Beetle (Attagenus smirnovi)

How Harmful Are Carpet Beetles?

Overall, carpet beetles are not very harmful, but it always depends on the exact nature of your infestation. A large carpet beetle infestation can cause issues over time, including:

• Property Damage: Larvae eat holes in natural fibers like wool, silk, leather, and fur.
• Food Contamination: They infest and spoil stored pantry goods like flour, grains, and pet food.
• Skin Irritation: Hairs from larvae can cause an itchy, rash-like reaction (carpet beetle dermatitis).
• Allergies: Shed skins and hairs can trigger allergic reactions, including itchy eyes and respiratory irritation.

Do Carpet Beetles Bite?

No, carpet beetles do not bite humans. They feed on natural fibers and materials, not blood. If you’re experiencing skin irritation or bites, it’s likely caused by another pest, and professional consultation is recommended for proper identification and treatment.

Signs of Carpet Beetles in Your House

Keep an eye out for these signs that carpet beetles might be making themselves at home. If you notice any of these signs, we recommend continuing to monitor and addressing the issue if needed to avoid a significant infestation:

• Visible Adult Beetles: You might see adult carpet beetles, which are typically small and range in size from 1 to 12mm.
• Larvae Presence: Look for tiny, worm-like larvae in areas where carpet beetles may be active. They can often be found near food sources like carpets, clothing, or upholstery.
• Damage to Fabrics: Check for irregular holes or damage in carpets, clothing, and upholstery. Carpet beetles are known for munching on natural fibers.
• Cast Skins: Carpet beetle larvae shed their skins as they grow. Finding these cast skins around your home could indicate an infestation.
• Fecal Pellets: Keep an eye out for small, pellet-like droppings, another sign that carpet beetles may be present.

Where Do Carpet Beetles Come From?

Like most pests, carpet beetles come from outside. They get into homes by:

• Flying in through open windows, doors, and unscreened vents.
• Crawling through small cracks and gaps in siding, foundations, or around pipes.
• Hitchhiking on items brought inside, such as cut flowers, used furniture, or infested rugs.
• Migrating from nests of birds, rodents, or insects located in or on the house.

Why Do Carpet Beetles Come Inside?

The primary cause of carpet beetles in homes is their attraction to natural fibers and materials commonly found indoors. Carpet beetles feed on a variety of items, including wool, silk, feathers, hair, and fur. The main sources that may attract carpet beetles include:

• Carpets, Rugs, and Upholstery: Natural fibers in carpets and upholstery provide a food source for carpet beetles.
• Clothing: Fabrics like wool or silk in stored clothing can attract carpet beetles.
• Animal Products: Feathers, fur, and even pet hair can be appealing to carpet beetles.
• Stored Items: Items stored in attics, basements, or closets, especially when left undisturbed for long periods, become susceptible to carpet beetle infestation.
• Food Residues: Carpet beetles are also attracted to food residues on carpets or upholstery.

How Long Do Carpet Beetles Live?

The lifespan of carpet beetles can vary based on factors such as species, environmental conditions, and availability of food. The entire life cycle, from egg to adult, can range from several months to a year or more.

Here’s a breakdown of the different stages of a carpet beetle’s life:

• Egg Stage: Carpet beetles lay eggs in hidden, undisturbed areas. The eggs typically hatch within 6 to 11 days.
• Larval Stage: The larval stage, where carpet beetles actively feed, can last anywhere from several weeks to several months, depending on the availability of food and environmental conditions.
• Pupal Stage: After the larval stage, carpet beetles enter the pupal stage, where they transform into adults. This stage typically lasts around 10 to 20 days.
• Adult Stage: Once the adult carpet beetle emerges, its lifespan can vary. On average, adult carpet beetles may live for a few weeks to a few months.

How to Get Rid of Carpet Beetles

Tackling a carpet beetle infestation on your own can be a challenging task. They’re so tiny that it can be difficult to determine where the hotspots are located. And it requires a good deal of persistence.

Here’s what we recommend if you’re interested in tackling DIY carpet beetle control yourself. If you don’t see the results you want, calling a professional beetle exterminator will help you eliminate the problem more quickly.

• Vacuum thoroughly and often: This is the most important step. Vacuum carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture, and closets, paying special attention to edges and hidden areas.
• Steam clean: The heat from a steam cleaner will kill both adult beetles and larvae.
• Wash fabrics in hot water: Wash all infested clothing, bedding, and other fabrics in hot water and dry on high heat.
• Use boric acid: Sprinkle boric acid on carpets and furniture, let it sit for a few hours, then vacuum it up.
• Seal cracks and crevices: Prevent them from getting in by sealing any cracks or gaps in your home’s exterior.

Call Us Today for Professional Carpet Beetle Control

In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it’s common for people to overlook the nooks and crannies of their homes. Amid the familiar comfort of our living rooms or bedrooms, subtle changes can easily go unnoticed. Especially during the warm summer months, when doors and windows may be left open more frequently, carpet beetles seize the opportunity to sneak inside, even if it’s just for a fleeting moment. Unfortunately, once inside, they can rapidly reproduce and wreak havoc on your home and belongings.

Contact us today to schedule a complimentary home inspection with one of our trained technicians and take the first step toward stopping the damage caused by carpet beetles. We proudly offer carpet beetle control in the Atlanta GA metro area.