How to Get Rid of Carpet Beetles
- PGM & SON Pest Control
- Sep 24
- 5 min read
To eliminate carpet beetles, thoroughly vacuum and wash infested fabrics in hot water, use insecticides like boric acid or diatomaceous earth, and clean to remove food sources like lint and dead insects. Persistent or severe infestations may require professional pest control services.
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How To Tell A Carpet Beetle From A Carpet Moth?
Most commonly referred to as carpet moth, this pest is actually a carpet beetle and it beats the clothes moth as the title holder of Britain’s main textile pest.
Carpet Beetles vs Carpet Moths: Key Differences
Feature | Carpet Beetle | Carpet Moth |
Adult Appearance | Small, oval-shaped beetles (1–4 mm), often mottled with black, white, and brown | Small moths (4–8 mm), beige/light brown with mottled wings |
Larvae | Fuzzy, brownish larvae with bristles; often called “woolly bears” | Creamy-white larvae with a smooth body; look like tiny grubs |
Damage Pattern | Ragged, scooped holes or threadbare patches | Neat, pin-sized holes or surface grazing |
Frass (Droppings) | Fine, pepper-like specks near damaged areas | Powdery residue or shed silk casings |
Habitat Preference | Skirting boards, under carpets, loft insulation, bird nests | Dark, undisturbed corners like wardrobes, under furniture |
Lifecycle Clues | Larvae can live for years before pupating | Larvae feed for weeks/months before turning into moths |
🔍 Quick Identification Tips
Check the damage: Ragged = beetle. Neat = Moth.
Look for larvae: Fuzzy with bristles = beetle. Smooth grub = Moth.
Inspect hidden areas: Moths love wool and silk in dark corners. Beetles roam more widely, even across timbers.
Are Your Carpets, Curtains, Upholstery, Linen or Clothes Being Eaten By Barpet Beetle?
Carpet beetle can cause significant damage to textiles, evidence of damage can easily be seen often along the seams of fabric where the grubs bite through the fabric. You will often see well-defined round holes.
Why Are My Carpets Being Eaten by Carpet Beetle?
Adult carpet beetle feeds on pollen and nectar in the garden. However, they lay their eggs in old birds’ nests and also in fur, felt, fluff or other fabric in buildings. The larvae (grubs) from the eggs do the damage to textiles as they feed on textiles such as fur, feathers, wool and hair.
People often described as causing damage to materials in the airing cupboard which can be explained by the grubs moving along pipes from the roof space into airing cupboards where they feed on the abundance of textiles kept there.
Adult carpet beetle are usually seen in April to June when they are finding suitable sites to lay their eggs. The grubs are most active in October.
Carpet Beetle On The Rise In The UK
There are a number of reasons by carpet beetle has become more prevalent and this includes:
1. Increased use of natural fibres. As man-made products decline due to their impact on the environment, we see a rise in carpet beetle as the grubs feast on natural materials. Whereas in the 1970s this pest was much less of a problem due to the use of polyester and nylon products.
2. As a more globalised world, with frequent travel and import of goods from around the world this increases the transport of pests.
How Do You Know If You Have A Carpet Beetle Problem?
1. The main indicator will, unfortunately, be damage to fabrics and textiles, such as holes in clothes, carpets, rugs, curtains etc.
2. Other indicators include small maggot like larvae, silken cases in which the larvae live, pupae (the silk cocoons from which the adults will eventually emerge).
What Can You Do To Prevent A Carpet Beetle Infestation?
There are some practical measures you can take to try to prevent a carpet beetle infestation although often it isn’t possible to avoid.
However, you can try and reduce the risk by:
1. Keeping rarely used fabrics and textiles in sealed plastic bags (time to store the wedding dress!) or suitcases.
2. Regularly clean your natural fibre clothes by shaking them thoroughly, washing them on the highest temperature the manufacturers’ guidelines will allow or (certainly for silk products) freezing them.
3. Hoover regularly – make sure to reach all those hard to reach or hidden areas such as underneath the sofa and beds. Removing eggs before they hatch is key.
4. Check your loft for old birds’ nests and remove them as carpet beetle are attracted to nests where they lay their eggs. Do not move bird nests where there is an active bird nesting.
5. Use repellents, for example, hang moth balls in your wardrobes, cupboards and drawers.
6. Ensure your vintage clothes are properly dry cleaned.
7. Keep an eye out for signs of beetle – early intervention is always key.
How to Get Rid of a Carpet Beetle Infestation?
An insecticide is usually required to get rid of a carpet beetle infestation. Affected areas should be treated along with in between floorboards, under beds and into crevices.
Due to the significant damage these pests can cause and how difficult they can be to treat it’s usually best to call in the professionals.
Carpet Beetles FAQs
Can I treat a carpet beetle infestation myself?
Minor cases may respond to DIY sprays and thorough vacuuming, but professional treatment ensures full eradication — especially if larvae are hidden in insulation or hard-to-reach areas.
How long do carpet beetle larvae live?
Carpet beetle larvae can survive for months or even years.
Will cleaning alone stop the damage of carpet beetles?
Cleaning helps, but it won’t kill hidden larvae or eggs. Professional pest control combines targeted treatments with prevention strategies.
Do I need to throw away my carpet?
Not usually. Early intervention can save carpets and soft furnishings. We’ll assess the damage and advise on restoration or replacement if needed.
How can I prevent future carpet beetle infestations?
• Store natural fabrics in sealed containers.
• Vacuum regularly, especially edges and under furniture.
• Avoid clutter and inspect lofts or bird nests near your property.
• Consider annual pest inspections for peace of mind.
If you’ve spotted the signs of a carpet beetle infestation, get in touch. We provide professional carpet beetle treatments across all areas of Herefordshire and Worcestershire. Whether you're in a town, village, or rural location, our expert pest control team is ready to help protect your home or business from damaging infestations. Call us on 01981 540088 or our emergency call-out service 07964 370480. Email us at contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk
