If you find yourself dealing with a carpet beetle infestation, you might be wondering how they got into your house in the first place? The experts at Radar Pest Control have all the answers you need, and luckily, with some simple prevention tips, you can keep them from coming back in the future.
Carpet beetles are common household pests all along the Sunshine Coast. They are found throughout Australia anywhere from urban areas to woodlands. The adults mostly live outdoors and feed on flowers, pollen, seeds, and nectar. However, they can quickly find their way indoors if you aren’t careful.
Carpet beetles are attracted to light, so they will often gather around doors and windows. If a window is left open or does not seal properly, carpet beetles might fly directly into your house. Carpet beetles often live in bird nests, so they also frequently enter through chimneys. They can also enter homes via infested items like cut flowers, furniture, rugs, and clothing.
Once inside your home, carpet beetle females will lay eggs. It is the larvae that actually does the most damage. Carpet beetle larvae are light brown to black grubs with dense barbed hairs. They are actually slightly larger than adults and can grow to about 2.5 cm. The larvae feed on natural fibers like wool, silk, feathers, leather, carpets, curtains, upholstery, and more. You may spot the actual larvae, or you might see signs of them like holes in carpets and linens, droppings, cocoons, and cast skins.
In order to keep carpet beetles out of you house, follow these simple steps:
- Seal the exterior of your home with caulk or expandable spray foam
- Make sure that windows and doors seal tightly and have intact screens
- Put fine mesh screens over chimneys, vents, or other openings
- Remove any bird nests that might be attached to your house
- Carefully check any plants, furniture, or natural fibers that you bring into your house
- Keep your home clean and tidy
- Vacuum regularly and make sure to vacuum under furniture
If you are struggling with carpet beetles or any other type of household pest, give Radar Pest Control a call. With expert technicians, superior products, and excellent customer service, we are your Sunshine Coast pest control experts.