How Carpet Beetles Get Into West Chester Homes

Types Of Carpet Beetles In West Chester, PA

There are two main species of carpet beetle commonly found in West Chester: the black carpet beetle and the varied carpet beetle. The black carpet beetle is black or reddish-brown and covered in short hairs or pubescence. Its larvae are elongated, brown, and have a curl of long hair at their tail-ends. The varied carpet beetle gets its name from its back’s mottled black, brown, white, and yellow patches. Its larvae are shorter and rounder than the black carpet beetle and covered in long brown hairs.

Both carpet beetle species are quite small. Adults are between 1/16 and 1/4 of an inch long, with the larvae being slightly larger—up to half an inch in length. For both black and varied carpet beetles, it is actually the larvae that eat carpeting, upholstery, and other household fabrics, as well as other animal products such as dried meat and dead insects.

How Do Carpet Beetles Get Into A Home?

Carpet beetles may seem like they suddenly materialized in your home from thin air. However, adult beetles typically fly in through open doors or windows and lay eggs in carpets, furniture, cabinets, and clothing. Carpet beetle eggs and larvae can also hitch a ride on secondhand clothes or furniture brought into the house.

Carpet Beetle Prevention Tips

Carpet beetles are difficult to get rid of on your own once they’re inside, but there are ways to keep them from taking up residence in your home. The following tips will help keep these beetles away:

• Keep doors, and windows closed and install screens on all windows.

• Regularly check window screens for damage and make sure they are securely in place.

• Thoroughly inspect used items like clothes and furniture before bringing them inside your home.

• Store clothing, especially wool, in plastic containers.

• Promptly remove dead insects or animals from your property, as they are a food source for carpet beetle larvae.

These carpet beetle prevention measures will reduce the likelihood of an infestation occurring, but if you do notice signs of carpet beetles, be sure to call a professional pest control service.

Effective Carpet Beetle Control In West Chester, PA

Due to their diet of fabrics and animal products, carpet beetles can easily thrive in your home if left to their own devices. Masters Touch Pest Solutions can eliminate the carpet beetles in your West Chester home and stop them from doing any more damage to your carpets, clothes, and furniture.

Since 1991, we have been dedicated to providing Southeastern Pennsylvania with effective and affordable pest control. We serve over 9,000 members of our community with top-notch pest control solutions, friendly service, and fair prices. If you are experiencing issues with carpet beetles, Masters Touch Pest Solutions is here for you. Contact us today for your free estimate.