Carpet beetles are one pest you do not want to have in your home as they can do significant damage to your belongings. Depending on the species, carpet beetles will vary in color or mottled patterns from red, black, white, and yellow. Another characteristic of this pest includes a body that looks similar to a ladybug. Their front wings create a protective covering for their back wings. They also have six legs, antennae, and are small, between 1/16th to 1/8th of an inch long.
While adults can do some damage, it is the larvae that cause the most damage. Carpet beetle larvae are dark-colored with bristle-like hairs.
As a Houston resident, you should know about carpet beetles to help keep your home protected against them and to be able to distinguish them from other pests like bed bugs.
Damage Caused By Carpet Beetles
While carpet beetles are more destructive than dangerous, this doesn't mean they should not be cause for concern. The damage these insects do can last up to a year if they are not taken care of. This is because the carpet beetle larvae cause damage, and this development stage can last a year.
When female carpets beetles find a reliable food source, they lay their eggs, and once the larvae hatch, they start to feed right away. Suitable food sources for carpet beetles and their larvae are:
- Wool
- Silk
- Animal skins and fur
- Feathers
- Hair
This means the following items can be damaged:
- Rugs and carpets
- Clothing
- Upholstered furniture
- Curtains
- Bookbindings
This pest can also get into our food, and unfortunately for us, these insects are attracted to the oils in our hair. Because of this, you can develop an itchy rash if you come into contact with larvae and their bristle-like hair.
Problems Getting Rid Of Carpet Beetles
The one thing you don't want to hear when dealing with a pest infestation is that getting them out of your home can be problematic. With carpet beetles, this is the unfortunate truth.
Getting rid of carpet beetles can cause problems because they are often misidentified for other pests like bed bugs and moths. Misidentification like this can cause you to perform removal tips that are not right for the pest you are dealing with. Even if you identify carpet beetles correctly, it can still be challenging to get rid of them at all stages of the lifecycle. This is because females usually lay 40 eggs that take only 10 to 20 days to hatch. So, you can just imagine how many larvae you'd be up against in only a month. And because adult carpet beetles can fly, the locations they lay eggs in your home are endless.
If you are struggling to rid your home of carpet beetles, you should call in the pros to get the job done effectively, which can save you time and money.
Easiest Way To Handle Carpet Beetles
The easiest and most effective way to handle a carpet beetle infestation is with professional home pest control services. If you are in Houston, Texas, and have a carpet beetle problem in your home up should contact the professionals at All-Safe Pest & Termite.
Dealing with a pest like carpet beetles that can damage your personal belongings can be stress-inducing and cost you a lot of money if you have to replace furniture and home goods. With All-Safe Pest & Termite, you can count on your pest problem to be rectified quickly. Our home control services offer top-quality treatments using only the latest and most effective products to eliminate pests like carpet beetles.
Don't wait, contact us at All-Safe Pest & Termite for a free estimate and to set up a home inspection with one of our expert technicians.