Family Owned Pest Control in Washington & Utah
License # 101704
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- License # 101704
During warm summer days, mosquitoes buzz around your yard while ants creep inside for a quick bite to eat. However, there’s another pest that can show up uninvited when the temperatures rise: carpet beetles. As temperatures rise, these pests pop up in homes, laying eggs in your carpeting and other fabric items.
Curious about how to get rid of carpet beetles without using harsh chemicals? We've got you covered. Here’s everything you need to know about carpet beetle control, spotting the signs of an infestation, and keeping these pests out for good.
Carpet beetles are hard to conquer. Because these tiny pests are easy to miss, you may not notice any signs of carpet beetles in your home.
The real troublemakers are carpet beetle larvae. Unlike adults that feed primarily on pollen, these hungry larvae target natural fibers, causing the most destruction as they grow. They hatch near fabric-rich areas and chew through anything they can digest.
Many synthetic fibers aren’t digestible to the larvae. That means they’ll devour natural textiles like wool, feathers, and leather even more aggressively to meet their nutritional needs.
If you’re dealing with carpet beetles in your house, you might notice damage to:
Do you see adult carpet beetles but can’t find their larvae? Try looking under your rugs, mattresses, and couch cushions. Check out this video where a homeowner finds carpet beetle larvae molts under and inside their couch!
If you’re dealing with a small carpet beetle problem, there are plenty of DIY chemical treatments you can try before calling in the pros. Store-bought sprays, powders, and insecticides can all help manage minor infestations if used correctly.
For a small-scale infestation, we have some tips to remove carpet beetles quickly. Here is our advice on how to get rid of carpet beetles naturally!
This powdery substance often strikes fear in the hearts of all bugs!
Diatomaceous earth is made up of tiny crushed diatoms that can eliminate an insect when consumed. Its sharp, abrasive particles damage an insect’s exoskeleton, causing it to lose moisture and eventually die from dehydration.
There are two types of diatomaceous earth on the market, so be mindful when perusing the store shelves or researching online. Food-grade diatomaceous earth is safe for human consumption and is even used in animal feed to boost coat or fur appearance.
Pool-grade diatomaceous earth is primarily used for pool filtration and will not accurately work as an insecticide. This powder can be toxic when consumed or inhaled, so always double-check the brand and version of the product.
While diatomaceous earth is a reliable DIY option, it’s not perfect. Its powdery texture can irritate the eyes, throat, or lungs if inhaled, so always wear gloves, a protective mask, and safety goggles when handling it.
Always use proper protection when attempting a DIY pest control method! Handle the materials with gloves and wear a protective mask and eyewear to stay safe.
If you’re looking for a quick solution, search no further! One of the easiest ways to eliminate carpet beetles is by using a vacuum cleaner.
Adult carpet beetles flock toward the sunlight or other well-lit areas. If you spot them gathering around these spots, run your vacuum over the floors or use the hose attachment to suck them up.
The tricky part is dealing with the larvae. Carpet beetle larvae are tiny and hard to see, but they’re usually the real culprits causing damage.
Run your vacuum over carpets, rugs, and upholstery, paying extra attention to dark, hidden spots like under rugs, inside fabric storage boxes, or along the seams of furniture. Regular, thorough vacuuming helps eliminate both adults and larvae, giving you a better shot at tackling the infestation.
Many pests avoid strong scents like peppermint and clove. Even mice tend to steer clear of areas with these smells.
These essential oils can also help keep carpet beetles at bay! If you have an essential oil diffuser, add a few drops to your machine and let the scent spread around your home. You can even mix the oils with water in a spray bottle and directly spray items affected by the beetles!
This approach helps repel pests and leaves your home smelling clean. Plus, it’s a low-mess solution that doesn’t require extensive cleanup. Simple, effective, and refreshing.
Whether you use it to clean your teeth or bake the perfect cake, baking soda can also help with your pest control needs.
Much like diatomaceous earth, you can sprinkle baking soda around areas where you’ve noticed adult beetles or larvae. Another option is to mix baking soda with water to create a paste, then place it in a bowl or dish near carpet beetle hotspots..
If you have spare or unused fabric objects, you can cover them in the baking soda solution. As the adult carpet beetles attempt to lay eggs, they will become coated in the mixture and potentially perish. The remaining larvae will die after consuming the baking soda.
Check out this article for more information about how to get rid of carpet beetles naturally with baking soda!
While this option won’t directly eliminate carpet beetles, packing your clothing away will remove a vital food source for larvae.
Instead of leaving your woolen winter coat in your hallway closet, place it in a plastic container or vacuum-sealed bag. The insects can’t reach your precious items when out of reach!
While natural solutions prevent harmful store-bought chemicals from entering your home, they aren’t always the best option. Carpet beetles can lay their eggs in unseen areas, allowing the larvae to chew up your belongings unabated.
Thankfully, Zunex offers environmentally friendly and safe products, so you’ll never have to worry about a pest control treatment impacting your loved ones!
Don’t suffer through a pest invasion. Let Zunex help you out! Contact us today for a free quote on our services.
By Allison Clayton
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