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
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
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.