Are there effective methods you can use to combat carpet beetles in your own home? Below you will find some ways to do this!
There are material pests in every apartment or house, and if you specifically have to fight carpet beetles, there are a few special features to take into account. This is about a species of Australian beetle that is now widespread in Europe and causes problems for many people. Although these insects do not bite, their larvae can cause allergic reactions. The adult beetles are scavengers and, like moths, cause various material damage, especially to textiles. For this reason, it would make sense to be able to detect a possible infestation in order to take the necessary measures in good time. Here is some useful information and control tips to help you.
What should you consider to be able to combat carpet beetles naturally?
The oval-shaped beetle species can occur in almost all parts of the living area. However, it is mostly found in home textiles such as carpets, as well as in skirting boards, vents or even in rarecleaned basement roomsto find. Adults are small in size, about 0.2 to 0.5 cm, with mottled colors such as brown, black, white, yellow and orange. The beetle larvae are brownish and covered in bristles, but shed their skin before pupating. They reach approximately 6 mm in length and look more like small furry caterpillars. After they become adults, carpet beetles not only feed on fabric but also search for pollen and nectar.
Additionally, adult carpet beetles are mostly found outdoors and often feed on buckwheat and other plants that produce abundant pollen. Since they can also fly, they often enter living spaces or are accidentally brought into homes via contaminated furniture, pets or cut flowers. Sunlight also attracts the beetles, with adults typically found indoors near windows, on window sills or curtains. In order to get rid of them and fight carpet beetles, you first have to find out what attracts them to the house. It is also advisable to take the associated symptoms into account if you have any allergies.
What allergy symptoms could the beetle larvae cause?
During the growth phase, carpet beetles feed primarily on dead animal products or other waste, but also on dry matter. Although it is rare, some people react allergically to contact with the bristles of the larvae or the shed shell. Such symptoms manifest themselves as rashes, itchy and watery eyes, runny nose, skin irritation, hives or even gastrointestinal disorders and respiratory problems. You can prevent allergy symptoms by naturally controlling carpet beetles and removing their molts from your home.
Additionally, there is evidence that people become desensitized with prolonged exposure, but removing the pests is actually the best possible solution to the problem. However, if the problem persists, it may be because you have dirty carpets or other areas there are areas in which the pests can thrive. They also eat hair, dead insects and dead skin, which requires regular cleaning and prevents infestation. But what other steps can you take to avoid complications?
What steps should you take to prevent an infestation?
As already written, occasional cleaning and hygiene will help get rid of carpet beetles and prevent an infestation. In worst cases, chemical treatment can be considered as a last resort, but this should be carried out professionally. However, such control methods are not suitable for bedding, clothing or bed linen, with chemicals only being applied to specific areas. Instead, follow some simple steps to naturally prevent the insects from spreading throughout your home.
Identify the sources and control carpet beetles
The first and most important step you can take if you suspect an infestation is to inspect your home. You shouldrecognize the type of peststo apply the appropriate control method. After confirming that these are carpet beetles, you can clean up accumulations of lint, hair, dead insects, and other debris that the larvae feed on. Here are the typical locations where you should control carpet beetles
- Heavily infested pieces of furniture or furnishings that should be thrown away if infested.
- Check purchased cut flowers for adult beetles before bringing them inside.
- Make sure window screens, doors and vents are secure to prevent carpet beetles from flying in from outside.
- To prevent and control these pests, it is important to regularly and thoroughly clean carpets, curtains, upholstered furniture, closets and other places where carpet beetles reside.
- Use your vacuum to remove eggs, larvae and their food sources and discard vacuum bags.
- Check clothing and home furnishings for sweat stains that attract carpet beetles and wash at high temperatures before storing in the closet for long periods.
- Air fur and wool clothing in the sun and brush them thoroughly; dry cleaning can also combat carpet beetles.
- Since adult insects also feed on pet food and leftover food, you should check kitchen cupboards for this and, if necessary, throw everything away or store it in containers.
- Also regularly inspect mattresses and pillows filled with feathers to prevent deeper pest infestations.
How can you get rid of carpet beetles and keep them away?
In principle, carpet beetles feed on most organic materials and since they can fly, it is not surprising that they can be found on such materials. Therefore, it is crucial to take some preventative measures to keep them away and prevent an infestation.
- If you are unable to clean infested items or areas, you can use some home remedies that are suitable for indoor use. For example, you can use homemade solutions with essential oils. Lavender oil, neem oil, clove oil, peppermint oil or cedarwood oil are suitable for this.
- To properly store items that are susceptible to carpet beetles, first make sure they are free of the pests. Then pack everything in an airtight container and place a layer of paper every few centimeters. On top of these layers of paper, you can place mothballs, flakes, or crystals that are labeled to control carpet beetles on fabrics.
- You can also use diatomaceous earth against it, as this powder damages the beetle's shell on contact and eliminates it.
- Other options include steam cleaning or freezing the affected textiles.
- A humane and natural option is to make insect repellents based on distilled white vinegar. This means you can then preventatively treat areas that have previously been cleared of pests and keep them away without having to kill them.
- Since carpet beetles do not eat synthetic materials, you can consider purchasing such carpets and furniture, keeping them clean regularly.
- Also, try to keep pantry and kitchen areas free of spilled flour or other food debris at all times.
As you may have noticed, timely identification and prevention of a pest infestation are the most important measures to take. Like other material pests, carpet beetles can become a nuisance. However, if you maintain hygiene in your home, chances are the chances of this will remain low.
