doylefelix

[doylefelix]

How To Get Rid Of Carpet Beetles

How to get rid of carpet beetles

If you make sure these multi-colored pinhead-sized beetles move slowly and roll when you touch them, it's time to act immediately. why? Because even though carpet beetles don't transmit disease, they are great eaters. They are also not fussy about food and reproduce quickly, so they can quickly cause great damage to any item made from natural fibers: furniture, clothing, curtains, and rugs.

The good news is that you can get rid of them. Here are seven tips that explain how to get rid of carpet beetles, along with additional information on how to prevent and deter future infestations.

Carpet beetle removal

Getting rid of carpet beetles is all about cleaning. You will need to remove the eggs, larvae, and adult beetles with great effort.

Sweeping. As a first step, clean areas where you have seen adult insects or their larvae, such as carpets, rugs, furniture, and curtains.

Steam cleaning. The next step is to go to the same areas that you cleaned with the steam vacuum. In this step, the heat and humidity kill the beetles and the remaining eggs.

Wash pillows and clothing. Use hot water and detergent to wash clothes, pillows, towels, and bedding. If infested clothing is uncomfortable or too damaged to wear, dispose of it in plastic bags and place in an airtight garbage container.

Clean or spray surfaces with vinegar. A mixture of white vinegar or apple cider vinegar and water can be applied to shelves, drawers, hangers, window sills, and cabinets to remove dirt or food residue.

Fat with boric acid. Spreading this mild insecticide on carpets, rugs, and furniture will kill any remaining beetles. Leave the boric acid powder as is for two hours, then vacuum up the residue and discard the vacuum bag.

Use of an indoor insecticide targeting carpet beetles. Available at local retailers, these sprays can be used around baseboards, under sinks, or in crevices where carpet beetles can hide. Not recommended for use on carpets, furniture or clothing.

Call an exterminator. Carpet beetle removal can be difficult to do on your own. They are strong and persistent household pests, and your own treatments are not always effective on carpet beetle eggs.

Carpet beetle prevention

When carpet beetles are removed from your home, the steps to prevent reinfestation mirror the removal process. Eliminating the food sources of carpet beetles, frequent vacuuming and the occasional use of boric acid or indoor insecticides will prevent carpet beetles from returning. Since stored clothing and fabrics target carpet beetles, consider adding rice balls or moths to storage boxes or bags.

The ban extends to the outside of your home.

Apply an external insecticide for carpet beetles around the perimeter of your home. Spray the foundation of your house and the soil two to three feet from the house. Use the insecticide at any potential entry point, such as windows, doors, vents, or utility pipes.

Remove and destroy any bird or insect nests around your home. Carpet beetles will lay their eggs in their nests and may migrate into your home.

Repair screens, as the small size of the carpet beetles makes any entry holes a potential.

Carpet beetle contraindications

Cleaning is your number one deterrent to keeping carpet beetles out of your home. Removing trash, sweeping regularly, and washing clothes, bedding, and pillows frequently will make your home less attractive to these pests.

You can also add barriers to prevent carpet beetles with a few extra steps:

Use plastic containers or bags to store bedding or clothing.

Carpet beetles don't like sunlight, so opening drawers and cabinets in natural light prevents them.

Avoid natural fibers in carpets, rugs, and furniture. Carpet beetles generally do not eat synthetics.

Beware of any other household pests and eliminate them.

For more information about Inoculand Pest Control