Carpet Beetle Control

Carpet Beetles are one of the major pests of textiles. The adult beetle lives outdoors and feeds on pollen, it is the larval stage that feeds on natural textile fibres. They will feed on, and damage, woollen fabrics, carpets and clothes, even wool / synthetic mixtures, but do not attack pure synthetic fibres.

They are very common in the UK. Infestations of these insects mostly originate in birds' nests such as those of the house sparrow, house martin, swift and starling. The carpet beetle larvae survive on the soiled wool and feathers in the nest-lining and then manage to get under the eaves in the roof space.

From here they crawl into the upper rooms of the house, usually following the hot water pipe system. They appear to be attracted to warmer situations. Airing cupboards often harbour substantial carpet beetle infestations.

Carpet beetles do, however, sometimes fly through open windows and presumably initiate infestations directly, but infestations arising from birds' nests from eaves cause continual invasions.

The success of these beetles is attributed to central heating, giving more uniform temperatures, and the increased use of fitted carpets.

Preventing the Carpet Beetle

As with so many pests, good housekeeping is the number one thing to do to prevent a carpet beetle infestation. By vacuuming regularly, especially in areas under storage heaters or at the skirting junction, you will greatly reduce the likelihood of an infestation. In addition, removing old bird nests, animal remains and dead insects as soon as possible will remove any potential food sources for the carpet beetle larvae.

Controlling the Carpet Beetle

These insects have a wandering habit that makes them difficult to control. Any pest control treatment must be carried out as part of a programme to remove their habitat.

If you intend to carry out your own treatment read the label of the insecticide container before you buy it to ensure it is suitable for carpet beetles. Always follow the manufacturers instructions carefully when applying insecticide so that you do not cause harm to yourself or your furnishings.

1. Find and remove the source of the infestation. This may be an old bird's nest, animal remains and wool based insulation or lagging or the debris that accumulates between floorboards.
2. Treat all carpets, area rugs and linen with a residual insecticide and wash any stored clothes.
3. Treat all fabric furniture and make sure that you get every nook and cranny.
4. Carpet beetle larva lay deep in the fabric, so make sure you apply enough treatment to penetrate the fabric, but make sure that you carefully follow the manufacturer's instructions to avoid causing damage.
5. To have carpet beetle control you may need to apply the treatment more then once depending on the product.
6. Check around and in your house for dead rodents or animals, carpet beetles are attracted and will consume the fur.
7. Thoroughly vacuuming your carpets and house will help prevent some carpet beetle infestations, especially if you have household pets that shed fur.

Article provided by Dynamic Pest Control