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Carpet Beetles: What Are They and How Can You Get Rid of Them?

Carpet Beetles: What Are They and How Can You Get Rid of Them?

Carpet beetles, also known as carpet mites, are members of a family of beetles known as dermestids. These pests consume organic materials like skin and hair, and they live in a range of indoor environments from homes to warehouses, or anywhere that a suitable food source exists. Although there are many species of carpet beetles in North America, the most common species that live in Pennsylvania are the Common Carpet Beetle, the Varied Carpet Beetle, and the Black Carpet Beetle. While carpet beetles are harmless to humans, they can wreak havoc on any carpet, furniture, or clothing made with organic fibers. Here is some advice from the carpet and rug care experts at JMS Enterprises about how to spot carpet beetles in your home – and how to get rid of them.

Identifying Carpet Beetles

Because they are so small – about one-tenth of an inch – it can be difficult to see carpet beetles, especially on patterned rugs and carpets. If you don’t see the beetles themselves, you may spot their larval casings, which they leave behind when progressing into the adult stage. These casings are brown in color and can look like a small mealworm or like a fuzzy, elongated ball. You may also see their fecal pellets, which are about the size of a grain of salt. 

The most obvious sign of carpet beetles will actually be the damage they cause when in their larval stage. Unlike moths that eat multiple holes in fabrics, carpet beetles will usually stay put and consume a larger area of fabric. You can find carpet beetle damage on carpets and rugs as well as on clothing, upholstered furniture (even leather), and stored food. Once the beetles progress to their adult stage, they no longer consume fabric, but they can still lay eggs in your home that will continue the cycle of destruction.

Getting Rid of Carpet Beetles

If you notice a carpet beetle infestation in your home, the best thing to do is start cleaning. Move any affected furniture or clothing items and vacuum thoroughly in the area. Once you have vacuumed, get in touch with professional carpet cleaners to shampoo your rugs, carpets and upholstered furniture. Once the dead skin and hair that they feed on is removed, carpet beetles should leave on their own. Continue vacuuming regularly until you don’t see any more beetles or casings, then schedule one more carpet cleaning just to be sure.

Area Rug and Carpet Cleaning Near Philadelphia

If carpet beetles have moved into your home, sticking to a regular cleaning regimen will get rid of them over a period of weeks. Get vacuuming and be sure to call JMS Enterprises for an area rug or carpet cleaning at your home in Bucks or Montgomery County, PA. Our experienced team will get your rugs, carpets, and upholstered furniture as clean as it was the day you bought it, and we offer a range of other services including air duct cleaning in Montgomery County, PA. Call (215) 706-0188 to find out more about our services or to schedule your appointment today!

JMS Enterprises is a locally-owned company that has been providing superior carpet care services to Montgomery County, PA & Bucks County homeowners since 1973.

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JMS Enterprises is a locally-owned company that has been providing superior carpet care services in Montgomery County, PA & Bucks County homeowners since 1973.

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