Carpet beetles, small and oval-shaped, pose a threat to bedding, clothes, carpets, and furniture when unaddressed. With their larvae, these household pests target natural fibres like wool and silk and also consume animal products such as pet hair. Adult beetles shift to feeding on pollen, plants, and flowers, necessitating prompt control measures.
Contact any Manchester pest control such as Pest Control Manchester, which has more than 30 years of experience in offering treatments against different pests like:
- Rats
- Mice
- Cockroaches
- Bed bugs
- Many other pest species.
Types of carpet beetles
In the UK, various carpet beetle species include:
- Varied Carpet Beetle
- Furniture Carpet Beetle
- Black Carpet Beetle.
The Varied Carpet Beetle is unique for inhabiting both stored food products and textiles. Their appearance evolves through life stages, with adults having dark brown to black shells.
Growing rapidly, they frequently change colours and shapes, making them inconspicuous. Varied carpet beetles, around 2 to 4mm long, exhibit varied colours like orange, black, or white-speckled.
The following are a few signs of infestation of carpet beetles in your home.
- Damage to fabric
- Shed skins and faecal pellets
- Live or dead adult insects
How to get rid of carpet beetles
- Vacuum regularly
Combat carpet beetle larvae with regular vacuuming to remove food sources like dead skin and debris. Pay extra attention to carpets along skirting boards.
- Steam cleaning
For effective carpet beetle control, experts advise steam cleaning hard surfaces to eliminate remaining beetles and eggs with heat and moisture.
- Wiping/spraying surfaces with vinegar
Eliminate carpet beetles by wiping surfaces, window sills, shelves, drawers, and hangers with a vinegar mix. Regularly clean up dirt or food residue.
- Clean infected areas thoroughly
Remove larvae and debris, and regularly wipe surfaces, furniture, and furnishings. Use caution with pesticides, which can be toxic and harmful to pets.
- Put infected items in your washing machine
Concerned about pests? Wash clothes and soft furnishings in the washing machine at high temperature to kill larvae, checking labels first.
- Inspect plants
Regularly inspect and wipe houseplants and flowers, especially upon bringing them indoors. This practice helps prevent potential pest issues.
- Before bringing it inside, shake freshly cut flowers
Before placing a lovely bunch of spring flowers in a vase, give them a gentle shake. This precaution helps ensure you are not unintentionally introducing carpet beetles, as they are drawn to feed on pollen.
- Seal gaps
Ensure the security of your home by sealing and closing cracks and gaps around doors and windows. This preventive measure helps to keep pests out and enhances the overall integrity of your living space.
- Keep dried food in sealed containers
Prevent carpet beetle infestation by safeguarding dried goods like flour and pasta. Store all food in tightly sealed containers to deny these pests access and protect your pantry items from potential damage.
To safeguard your home from carpet beetle infestations, adopt preventive measures such as sealing gaps, storing dried goods securely, and regular cleaning. If the problem persists, seek professional assistance from Pest Control Manchester for effective solutions.