How To Get Rid Of A Carpet Beetle Infestation In West Chester

Know Your Enemy

There are three types of carpet beetle most often found in West Chester. They all seem fairly similar at first glance, sharing a common size and shape at about 1/10 of an inch long, but you can recognize each species by some key differences in their appearance. 

• The Common Carpet Beetle has a black shell with mottled patterns of red or orange scales.
• The Varied Carpet Beetle gets its name from its shell's chaotic splotches of orange, brown, red, and white.
• The Furniture Carpet Beetle has rounder scales compared to other species and is most often black with yellow and white patterns.

When it comes to textile damage, the carpet beetle's larvae are the actual culprit. Larger than the beetles themselves at about 1/2 an inch long, these fuzzy, carrot-shaped pests consume keratin, chitin, and other animal fibers. They are also attracted to oils secreted from skin and stains from food and drink. They begin to feed as soon as they hatch and quickly cause noticeable damage while being quite difficult to catch.

Tips For Keeping Carpet Beetles Out Of Your West Chester Home

Due to their specialized diets, carpet beetles are especially keen on invading your residence. It's replete with food and places to hide. Carpet beetle larvae can consume large swathes of clothing and carpet if they're left to their own devices. To keep these keratin-crazed creatures out of your home, you have to prioritize keeping their parents out first. Carpet beetles often fly in through unattended open windows or doors before moving on to lay their eggs in secluded places around your home. 

Though it can be challenging to keep them out of your home, it is far from impossible, especially if you take the following precautions: 

• Installing bug screens for your doors and windows
• Vacuuming regularly
• Cleaning any dead bugs near windowsills and doors
• Washing out any food or drink stains on carpets, clothing, and furniture
• Storing your leather, fur, silk, and wool items in airtight containers.

How To Solve A Carpet Beetle Problem With Masters Touch Pest Solutions

Prevention isn't an easy task, especially without professional guidance. If you suspect a carpet beetle infestation has taken root in your home, there are a few things you should look out for to confirm the problem.

• Damaged clothing, carpets, or furniture
• Molted shells or egg casings
• Actual larvae or beetles

Look in dark, seldom disturbed places around your home with an abundance of animal fibers. Examples include the corners of your carpet, in and under your furniture, and inside any closets. Due to their tiny size and preference for darkness, carpet beetles are extremely elusive. It can be an ordeal to identify the problem with certainty, let alone treat it.

Ultimately, the easiest, safest, and most effective method of carpet beetle control is to contact residential pest professionals. If you've noticed any signs of an infestation or just want to guarantee you never will, reach out to Masters Touch Pest Solutions. Our family of expert technicians will be on the scene as soon as possible to provide you with complete protection. Call now for a free, no-obligation estimate and become a member of the Masters Touch Pest Solutions family.