Effectively Dealing With Carpet Beetles

Blog

Carpet beetles are notorious for causing damage, sometimes extensively, to carpets, clothes and other goods made from fabric. Carpet beetles can quickly build up their numbers due to their short growth cycles. Although many people choose to hire out a pest controller, it is possible to deal with an infestation on your own as long as you commit some time and patience to the problem. This article looks at some effective steps to take so that you can rid your property of these persistent pests.

Confirm You Have Carpet Beetles

It is important that you correctly identify that you have carpet beetles in the first place. Usually, people will notice that areas of their carpets have become damaged; this is the first sign that you may have carpet beetles. An internet search will provide you with pictures of young and mature carpet beetles. You should also familiarize yourself with

  • The oval shape of an adult carpet beetle
  • The small, banded bodies of the young beetles – usually with hair at either or both ends of their bodies
  • The range of colors of adult beetles, usually includes brown, black or gray

If you haven't actually sighted a carpet beetle in your home, look for small waste pellets and skin that has been shed in and around the areas of damage to your carpet. Use a magnifying glass to help you confirm.

Vacuum,  Dispose And Wash

The first action to take once you have confirmed that you have carpet beetles is to thoroughly vacuum. Although you may wish to concentrate just on the damaged area, it is wise to take the time to vacuum every carpeted area; this includes cupboards and closets. If you have a large infestation, vacuum every day or more than once a day. Dispose of any badly damaged goods, such as rugs or clothes, and wash the remaining goods in hot, soapy water. Hot water, along with soap, will give you a better chance of killing the pests.

Assess

You can set a glue trap to assess if the beetles are still present after taking the above action. Smear a hormone based glue onto a table leg; this will attract any beetles that you have missed. You can then determine, from the number of beetles in the glue, if another round of vacuuming and washing is required.

Mature carpet beetles move quite slowly and tend to roll onto their backs when touched. Try touching one if you spot it and see if it does this. This can help you to confirm that carpet beetles are what you are dealing with. For more information, contact a business such as Protector Pest Control.

Share

7 April 2015

Pest Control Ideas and Testimonials from Pest Infestation "Survivors"

When I read tips and blogs, I want to read posts written from the perspective of someone who has actually gone through something. I don't like to read purely theoretical stuff. If you feel the same way and are curious about pest removal, you have come to the right place. This pest removal blog has posts and tips from real people who have struggled with pest infestations. It gives you real tips from people who really understand what it's like to have mice nesting in their couches or termites gnawing on their walls. Please, read these tips, posts and testimonials, and integrate them into your life so you can enjoy a pest free life. My name is Wendy, and I hope you like my blog!