Carpet beetles Control

In the following, we explain what a pest like the carpet beetle is and what it affects.

What are carpet beetles?

Some pests are more common than others and we recognise them by the damage they cause. In this case, the carpet beetle seems to be harmless and only disturbs us because it is an insect. However, they are much more harmful than they appear to be.

As the name suggests, they are insects that are found in fabrics and are mainly found in the soil. It is a coleopteran that measures no more than half a centimetre. One of the fundamental aspects is their fecundity, as the female can lay more than 100 eggs. The eggs are laid in dark areas with textile materials on which the larvae can feed.

In this respect, there are numerous types of carpet beetles, ranging from the classic black, oval and shiny. There is also the round and smaller, grey-coloured carpet beetle. The furniture carpet beetle is slightly larger and whitish in colour. Each has its own speciality in terms of feeding, but their control is quite similar.

Where do carpet beetles live?

Because of their size and structure, they are relatively weak insects and therefore prefer to live in hiding. They generally hide in dark places, preferably in places where food is available. Wardrobes, cupboards, cupboards, wardrobes, closed and poorly ventilated spaces.

Because of their small size, they are not very mobile. So in most cases we are the ones who transport them. It is therefore essential to control not only access to the home but also the handling of infested items. Once they settle in a favourable environment, they are difficult to detect. One evidence of their presence is the damage they do, especially to fabrics and other textiles.

What damage can carpet beetles cause?

As already noted, carpet beetle larvae are found in dark places, and in textile fabrics. They can damage almost all kinds of materials such as wool, fur, leather, silk, or synthetic fibres with organic contents.

They cause perforations which at first appear imperceptible but which definitely damage the fabric. They can also affect coatings of domestic materials such as waterproofing or insulation. They degenerate the structure of the materials they affect and reduce their effectiveness or resistance.

Their habitat is not limited to carpets as one might think from their name. On the contrary, they can be found in a wide range of locations. Clothing, accessories, skirting boards, upholstery, furniture, especially if it is covered with fabric. They can also be found in cupboards, bird’s nests, dolls, cupboards and anywhere else where there is darkness and plant materials to consume.

The damage they cause should not be taken lightly as they are a silent but constant infestation. They can severely damage items and render them unusable.

Finally, the best control measure is to call in specialists who have quick and lasting solutions.