Carpet Beetles

Three varieties of carpet beetles are commonly found in homes here in San Diego County. They are especially active in the spring and in early summer. The adult beetles are very small, about a third of the size of a Ladybug, and oval in shape and they vary in color from mottled to black.

The adult beetles usually are found on window sills. They cannot chew and require very little moisture to live for ten days to three weeks. All species of beetles have a four part life cycle: Egg, larvae, pupae and adult. It is the larval form of this beetle that can cause problems and damage in our homes.

Carpet beetle larvae congregate in dark dry areas and eat hair, wool, feathers, animal bodies and skin, natural fabrics, and stored grain and spice products. It is not uncommon for us to find larvae and damage in cut flowers, wall hangings, seasonal art projects, and artificial flowers.

Most of the work that is involved in carpet beetle treatments is cleanup and sanitization. Infested clothing can be treated by about ten minutes in a hot dryer, or they can be dry cleaned or laundered, and should be stored with moth crystals. Infested foods should be thrown out and cabinets and closets should be thoroughly cleaned with a disinfectant cleaner and/or vacuum cleaner. Pesticide treatments are usually unneeded if the above cleanup is performed properly.

If you live in San Diego’s North County, you can contact us at Pinpoint Pest Control Co. Inc for specific advice and expert service.