There are many pests in Plano that you might not even worry about becoming a problem. While you might stress about common pests like spiders, rodents, flies, and ants, many other species can cause issues for area homeowners. One of these pests is the carpet beetle.
Carpet beetles can vary in coloration and can be many combinations of mottled patterns such as red, yellow, white, and black. They have two sets of wings and their body shape is similar to a ladybug’s. However, while the adult carpet beetles aren’t pleasant to have around, it’s really the larvae you have to worry about. Carpet beetle larvae look a lot like caterpillars with segmented bodies and bristly hairs. They are tan to dark brown in color.
The reason the larvae can cause problems is that they feed on fibers in things like carpets, clothing, and furniture. While the adults of the species don’t do this, they are the ones responsible for laying their eggs in carpet and other cloth materials and starting an infestation.
Is It Easy To See Carpet Beetle Larvae?
The larvae of the carpet beetle aren't invisible to the human eye, so you can see them in some cases. However, it can be difficult to identify carpet beetle larvae as they are only about an eighth of an inch long and like to hide in fibers. They are especially common in natural fibers and carpets, but they can also be found on other cloth-based items such as blankets, upholstered furniture, and furs.
What Are Signs Of An Infestation?
Since it can be difficult to identify carpet beetle larvae, there are some other signs of an infestation to be aware of. By identifying an infestation early on, you can save yourself time and money in the future by nipping the problem in the bud. Some of the main signs you have a carpet beetle infestation are damage to wool items, larval skins on floors, tiny beetles climbing walls, and hairs falling out of fur items. Overall, if you’ve noticed bare patches or damage on any fiber-based item around your Plano property, you could be dealing with carpet beetle larvae.
Easy Ways To Prevent Carpet Beetles
The best way to prevent property damage caused by the larvae of these beetles is to try and keep them out of your property in the first place. While you might not always be able to deter an infestation, you can make it more difficult for one to begin.
Here are a few of the simplest ways to keep these beetles out:
- Install weather stripping around doors and windows to keep the adult carpet beetles from coming inside and laying their eggs.
- Fix any broken screens in doors or windows as this is another way that carpet beetle adults get indoors.
- Store items like blankets, clothing, and fabric in airtight containers.
- Vacuum carpets as well as upholstery on a regular basis.
- Inspect flowers and plants that you’re bringing in from outside as they could have adult beetles living on them.
How To Get Help With Carpet Beetle Infestations
Being aware of carpet beetles and how their infestations begin is the first step in protecting your home, but the best way to both prevent and remove carpet beetles and their larvae is with help from All-Safe Pest & Termite. These bugs often hide in dark, hidden areas that are hard to reach, but our team has the resources and experience necessary to find and eliminate these pests.
To get continued advice and assistance with carpet beetle infestations, schedule your free estimate today online or over the phone!