Carpet Beetles
Carpet beetles are very common insects found in homes across the GTA. Professional treatment is the best option on eliminating them.
What are Carpet Beetles?
Carpet beetles are very common insects found in homes and come in various colours patterns (white, brown, yellow, orange) however the black carpet beetle is solid black. Carpet beetle larvae feed on a wide variety of foods, including carpets, skins, furs, woollens, stuffed animals, leather bindings on books, feathers, silk, and plant products. They are also found in processed foods, and process grains. The adults are oval approximately 3 – 5 mm, feed on pollen, fly well, and enter homes through open doors and windows.
Carpet Beetle Treatment
It is very important to find the source of the problem and discard the food or have carpets and clothing properly cleaned. A thorough vacuuming of the premises should be done including upholstered furniture, getting into the cracks and crevices, and discarding the vacuum bag immediately. Any unlaundered wool or natural fibre clothing should be laundered or, at least, put into a hot dryer for at least one hour. The homeowner should clear furniture etc. from baseboards approximately 12 inches being mindful not to move the heavy things. A residual treatment will be performed in the cracks and crevices and suspected infested areas. Everyone should be out of the house for 4 – 6 hours after the treatment. Fish tanks should be covered with plastic and air filters unplugged.
Carpet Beetle Prevention
1.
Efficient cleaning: Without even knowing it, you could have carpet beetle larvae resting in your carpets. So, efficient cleaning is needed constantly, the University of Kentucky advised. Always vacuum rugs thoroughly, making sure you pick up dirt in the deepest parts. Use vacuum attachments for a more efficient job that can access hard-to-reach crevices and cracks where larvae may hide. Pet hair can also attract beetles, so eliminating hair is another good practice.
2.
Store items properly: Though you can’t tuck away all your clothes, there are items that carpet beetles might be more attracted to. Leather jackets and gloves, lambswool sweaters and other animal-based items can attract beetles. Store them in tightly sealed containers to keep the beetles out.
3.
Get rid of possible food sources: Eliminate the possibility of beetles in your home by eradicating any of their food sources. Look around for any spider cobwebs or dead insects and wipe them away. Always examine freshly cut flowers for beetles before bringing them inside.
4.
Seal all openings: Look for any cracks in doors or holes in window screens that could serve as a passageway for the pest. Seal any opening immediately, especially in warmer months.