What Attracts Carpet Beetles To Our Homes

Your home is warm, comfortable, and has a supply of food that carpet beetles are interested in. When they are indoors, they will mainly feed on items that contain animal protein like feathers, furs, silk, wool, and carpets. The food, oil, and perspiration on these items are what they are most attracted to. They also may eat grain based food or dried dairy products. The larvae are attracted to seeds and pet food which is why the reproducing females will lay their eggs in areas close to your kitchen or pantry. I’m sure you wouldn’t want beetles in your food or laying eggs close to your food sources.

Unfortunately, carpet beetles are very small and are sometimes confused with bed bugs. They are small enough to get into your home through windows, broken screens, small cracks, and crevices in foundations and walls. They have wings and fly, making it much easier for them to get around and to get into your home. They can live in other animal’s nests inside walls or chimneys. If you could see them, you would find them in furniture, clothing, bedding, and carpets. So if you find holes in these types of items, you might have an infestation.

Some people are allergic to the larvae hairs that they shed, and when they become airborne, they can cause breathing problems or a red raised itchy rash when they come in contact with sensitive skin.

Carpet beetles can breed rapidly and an infestation can happen quickly. Much damage can occur long before you realize that you have an infestation.

You will have a hard time finding carpet beetles because they are 1/16” in length and their larvae are no larger than a ¼”. The adults have 6 legs; they are oval with compound eyes, a hidden head, and short antenna. Carpet beetles are black with an orange or red stripe and a pattern of white with orange/red scales. They tend to feed in undisturbed places that are dark.

What it all comes down to is that professional treatment is the best option when dealing with this kind of pest. It is really the only way to avoid the damage that they can cause to your belongings and your health. Witt Pest Control’s comprehensive pest control plans are designed to protect your home, your family, and your pets from the harmful and damaging effects of pests. Witt Pest Control is here to help you!