How To Get Rid Of Carpet Beetles

Carpet beetles can be tricky because both the adults and larvae cause damage—larvae eat natural fibers like wool, silk, and leather, while adults feed on pollen and can spread into other areas. Here’s how to get rid of them effectively:

Identify the Source:

To find the source of a carpet beetle infestation, start by inspecting areas where they commonly feed and hide. Check natural fibers like wool, silk, leather, and fur in carpets, rugs, clothing, and upholstery. Look in dark, undisturbed spots such as under furniture, along baseboards, in closets, attics, and storage boxes. Examine lint, pet hair, and accumulated dust, as these can harbor larvae. Also, inspect vents, light fixtures, and windowsills, since adult beetles are often attracted to light. Finding the source usually involves following evidence of larvae, shed skins, or small holes in fabrics to the area of infestation.

Clean Thoroughly:

To clean for carpet beetle control, start by thoroughly vacuuming all carpets, rugs, furniture, and corners, paying close attention to edges, under furniture, and along baseboards. Remove and launder infested clothing, bedding, and curtains in hot water, or dry clean delicate items. Clean upholstered furniture and drapes with a vacuum or steam cleaner. Dispose of vacuum bags or empty canisters immediately. Wipe down shelves, vents, and dark corners, and consider using a stiff brush to loosen larvae from carpets and fabrics. Regular, deep cleaning helps remove eggs, larvae, and food sources to reduce the infestation.

Remove Infested Items

Carpet beetles can infest a wide range of items, especially those made from natural fibers. Commonly infested items include:

Carpets and rugs – especially wool or mixed fiber rugs.
Clothing – wool, silk, cashmere, fur, or other natural fibers.
Upholstered furniture – sofas, chairs, and cushions with natural fabrics or padding.
Bedding and blankets – wool or feather-filled items.
Stored fabrics and linens – in closets, drawers, or storage boxes.
Furs, leather, and hides – coats, hats, or decorative items.
Pet hair and dander – accumulations in corners or along baseboards can feed larvae.
Lint and dust – under furniture, in vents, or behind baseboards.
Taxidermy specimens – mounted animals or preserved insects.
Stored grains or dried plant materials – occasionally, some species feed on pollen, seeds, or dried flowers.

Essentially, any dark, undisturbed area containing natural fibers or organic debris is a potential hotspot for carpet beetles.

Apply Insecticides (if needed)

When using insecticides for carpet beetle control, homeowners should follow a careful, targeted approach to maximize effectiveness and minimize risks:

Choose the right product: Select an insecticide labeled specifically for carpet beetles or indoor crawling insects. Look for products containing pyrethrins, cyfluthrin, deltamethrin, or bifenthrin. Avoid using broad outdoor-use insecticides indoors.
Target the right areas: Apply insecticide only to areas where larvae are likely to be present, such as along baseboards, floor edges, and under furniture, inside closets and drawers with infested clothing, on edges and seams of carpets and rugs (avoid over-saturating), and around vents, window frames, and other cracks or crevices where larvae hide.
Use appropriate application methods: Sprays: Lightly mist surfaces; avoid soaking fabrics. Dusts: Use in tight spaces like cracks, crevices, and under furniture where sprays can’t reach. Wear gloves and a mask. Avoid direct contact with skin or food surfaces.
Remove items first: Take out clothes, bedding, or toys before treating the area. Wash or vacuum these separately.
Follow safety precautions: Read the label carefully. Wear gloves, a mask, and eye protection. Keep children and pets away from treated areas until fully dry.
Reapply if necessary: Carpet beetle larvae can survive in hidden spots, so a second treatment may be needed after vacuuming or cleaning a week or two later.

Prevent Reinfestation

Homeowners can take several proactive steps to prevent carpet beetle reinfestation by removing food sources, reducing hiding spots, and maintaining cleanliness:

Regular cleaning: Vacuum carpets, rugs, furniture, and baseboards weekly. Clean under furniture and in corners where debris and pet hair accumulate. Launder bedding, curtains, and clothing regularly, especially items made of wool or other natural fibers.
Proper storage: Store off-season clothing, blankets, and linens in airtight containers or vacuum-sealed bags. Avoid storing fabrics directly on the floor or in dark, undisturbed areas. Keep dried flowers, grains, and other plant-based materials sealed.
Declutter and inspect: Reduce clutter where beetles can hide, including boxes, old clothing, or unused furniture. Periodically inspect closets, attics, and storage areas for signs of larvae or damage.
Seal entry points: Repair window screens, door seals, and cracks around baseboards to limit adult beetles entering from outside.
Control humidity and light: Keep areas dry and well-ventilated; carpet beetle larvae thrive in humid, dark spaces. Light exposure can deter adult beetles, so open closets occasionally.
Use preventive treatments if needed: Apply residual insecticides or natural deterrents (like diatomaceous earth) in areas prone to infestation. Cedar or lavender can help repel adult beetles, though these are less effective than proper cleaning and storage.
Inspect second-hand items: Check rugs, furniture, or clothing for larvae or damage before bringing them into your home.

Following these steps consistently breaks the carpet beetle life cycle and makes it much harder for a new infestation to establish.

Consider Professional Help

You should call in our professionals when the infestation is widespread, persistent, or difficult to locate, such as larvae hidden in walls, attics, or under floors, or when valuable items like furs, rugs, or antiques are at risk. Our professional help is also recommended if DIY cleaning and insecticides fail to control the problem, or if you want safe, thorough treatment with long-lasting results.

The best way to get rid of carpet beetles is a combination of thorough cleaning, laundering or disposing of infested items, vacuuming, and, if necessary, targeted insecticide treatment. As always, active prevention is the key to avoiding future infestations.

The Best Way To Get Rid Of Carpet Beetles

Our professional pest control is the best way to get rid of carpet beetles because these beetles are notoriously difficult to eliminate completely without expert intervention. Carpet beetles can infest deep within carpets, upholstery, clothing, and even structural voids, making them hard to locate and eradicate with DIY methods. Our professionals use a comprehensive, science-based approach that targets both adult beetles and their larvae—the true source of damage.

Our licensed pest control technicians begin with a detailed inspection to identify the full extent of the infestation, determine species type, and locate hidden breeding areas. We use specialized tools and insecticides that are far more effective than store-bought sprays yet safe for indoor use when applied correctly. In addition to chemical treatments, our professionals employ targeted techniques such as HEPA-grade vacuuming, non-chemical treatments, and residual barrier applications to break the beetle’s life cycle.

Another major advantage of hiring our professionals is prevention. Carpet beetle infestations often recur if even a few larvae or eggs are left behind. Our pest control experts not only eliminate the existing problem but also implement long-term prevention strategies—such as sealing entry points, advising on proper storage of fabrics and food items, and recommending cleaning practices that reduce attractants.

Ultimately, our professional pest control ensures total eradication, reduces the risk of property damage, and saves time and frustration. By relying on our expert knowledge, proven products, and systematic treatment plans, homeowners and businesses can rest assured that the infestation is eliminated safely, efficiently, and permanently.

Get Rid Of Carpet Beetles With Miche Pest Control

Hiring our team of professionals at Miche Pest Control is an investment in long-term protection, expertise, and peace of mind. Here’s why:

Personalized Service and Local Expertise: We know the specific pest pressures in the area—such as seasonal rodent activity, regional ant species, or local termite threats. Our technicians understand the environment, climate, and building types common to the area, allowing them to provide targeted, effective treatments.
High-Quality, Comprehensive Solutions: As a full-service provider, we doe’t just treat surface problems; we address the root causes. From inspections and prevention to exclusion and ongoing maintenance, we deliver complete, integrated pest management (IPM) programs designed to both eliminate infestations and prevent future ones.
Accountability and Reliability: We live and die by our reputation. We rely on trust, referrals, and repeat business, meaning we're committed to doing the job right the first time and providing exceptional customer care.
Faster Response Times: We respond quickly to emergencies and schedule services sooner than large, national chains. Especially when you’re dealing with urgent pest issues like rodents or wasps, that speed matters.
Customized Treatment Plans: We tailor our services to your property’s specific needs instead of using one-size-fits-all chemical treatments. This results in safer, more effective pest control that minimizes environmental impact and reduces unnecessary pesticide use.
Highly Trained, Experienced Technicians: We invest in training, certification, and continuing education for our technicians. We stay current on the latest pest biology, control techniques, and safety standards.
Long-Term Prevention and Value: Our focus on providing quality service means fewer callbacks, longer-lasting protection, and better value over time. Instead of repeated, temporary fixes, you get strategic solutions that protect your home or business for the long run and provide better peace of mind.

Hiring our team means you get expertise you can trust, faster service, safer and more effective treatments, and long-term results that protect both your property and your peace of mind. Contact us today!