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Please be sure to read the product label of any insecticide you choose to use to get information on the personal protective safety gear you will need. In most situations, it is recommended that you wear long pants, a long sleeved shirt, closed toe shoes with socks, chemical resistant gloves, and goggles. In areas where ventilation is poor, a manufacturer may recommend you wear a mask or a respirator. We have put together two different safety kits that will make selecting the correct safety gear easier for you.

Carpet Beetles

Carpet Beetle Inspection Guide

Learn Where to Find Carpet Beetles in the Home

By DoMyOwn staff
Overview
An image of a carpet beetle up close

While only the size of a pin head, carpet beetles and their larvae can damage carpets, furniture, clothing, and felt. If you suspect you have carpet beetles, finding the infestation will assist in your treatment program. Read our guide below to learn how to find carpet beetles in your home or office.

Found bugs but are not sure if they are carpet beetles? Learn what carpet beetles look like in part one of our guide.

Carpet Beetles Like Natural Fibers

An image of a carpet beetle larva on fabric

Carpet beetles are attracted to natural fibers. As their name suggests, they are attracted to carpet, but they can also be found near or on these other natural fibers:

  • Silk
  • Fresh flowers
  • Wool
  • Paint brushes
  • Pet fur and human hair

Carpet beetles will typically stay away from synthetic fibers, but will become attracted to synthetic fibers if the fibers contain human or animal sweat, oil, or blood. They are attracted to flowers for their pollen and nectar. In fact, carpet beetles are commonly brought inside unknowingly in flowers. Be sure to check any flowers for carpet beetles before you bring them inside.

Carpet beetles can also be found in dry stored food products like rice, grains, and dog food.

If you suspect you may have a carpet beetle infestation, inspect the following items, especially if they are made of natural fibers:

  • Rugs
  • Carpets
  • Blankets
  • Furniture

Carpet Beetle Larvae Like the Dark

An image of jackets in a closet

Carpet beetle larvae like the dark and can commonly be found in areas of the home that do not receive much light, including:

  • Closets
  • Cabinets and pantries
  • Attics
  • Basements
  • Garages
  • Inside air vents and air ducts

Adult carpet beetles are attracted to light and can be found near light fixtures and window sills. Remember, carpet beetle larvae cause damage, not adult carpet beetles, so if you see adult carpet beetles in the home, you should look in dark areas for larvae.

Don't Forget to Check These Spots

Some other miscellaneous areas where carpet beetles can be found include:

  • Inside musical instrument cases. Carpet beetles will feed off the felt or velvet lining the case.
  • Underneath lamps with felt or velvet pads
  • Underneath furniture or furniture legs with felt or velvet pads
  • Inside baits for rodents. They will also feed off the carcasses of dead rodents, so emptying these baits often is essential.
  • On taxidermied animals
  • In or on fresh flowers. This is a common way carpet beetles are unknowingly brought into the home.

Found carpet beetles in your home? Read the next part of our 4-part guide to learn how to get rid of carpet beetles. Click the right arrow below to read more.

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