Tiny but mighty, black carpet beetles can cause plenty of destruction for homeowners. Not only do these pesky critters infiltrate your home through windows and doors, they are also easily transported inside on flowers and plants.
Once there’s an infestation in the house it won’t take long before carpets, clothing items such as sweaters or coats—even upholstered furniture like couches–are besieged by the beetle scourge! These irritants may not bite humans directly but instead leave you with a nasty case of ‘carpet-beetle rash.’ Don’t let them wreck havoc – be vigilant against insidious insects.Do carpet beetles bite?
Do carpet beetles bite?
The tiny carpet beetle adult and its even tinier larva can fit on top of a dime! These little critters have an oval, spotted shell with six spindly legs for support. On their backs lie wings that let them take to the skies in search of food. The larvae are fuzzy, worm-like creatures with long hairs growing from either side and distinctive band designs running along their body. Truly amazing miniature residents of our homes.
Carpet Beetle Eggs
Carpet beetle infestations can be hard to detect until it’s too late. The eggs of these pests are small, cream or white in color and hardly visible to the naked eye – making regular vacuuming and carpet shampooing essential for preventing an outbreak. However, if you already have a serious problem on your hands only professional pest control services will help get rid of carpets beetles quickly and effectively so don’t hesitate call them.
Carpet Beetle Rash
Carpet beetle bites may not cause harm through biting, but living with them is still a formidable task. Although these pests won’t sink their teeth into your skin, they can leave behind hairs that trigger an allergy-like reaction known as carpet beetle rash in those who are sensitive to the irritants. Unfortunately for sufferers of this condition, it often leaves large welts on exposed areas of skin.
Do you think an unseen guest is staying in your home, but can’t figure out if they’re a carpet beetle or a bed bug infestation?
Unfortunately, it’s not as easy to determine which pest has finally infiltrated the place – their rashes may look similar at first glance! While both creatures are known to cause hives and welts on the skin that could be mistaken for one another’s bite-marks, there are particular symptoms unique to each impostor. Take note of any other signs such as huffed fur from carpets beetles roaming around so you might identify them accurately as well as how best evict them too.
Symptoms of Carpet Beetle Rash
Some of the signs of carpet beetle rash are:
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Hives
- Itchy skin
- Red, itchy, and watery eyes
- Runny nose
Other Problems Caused by Carpet Beetles
Mischievous adult carpet beetles have a habit of sneaking into your pantry and closet where they can lay their eggs in places with abundant food sources for the larvae.
Unfortunately, these tiny critters tend to cause even more damage than their parents due to ravenous appetites – munching away on fabrics like clothing, upholstery, bedding, carpets and animal products that may contain traces of oil or perspiration. Don’t let them feast – guard your home against expensive destruction.
What Attracts Carpet Beetles?
Here are some of the reasons that carpet beetles end up in your home.
- Carpet beetles and their larvae are always in search of food
- Any fabrics blended with wool appeal to this pest, such as cotton and synthetics like rayon and polyester.
- Carpet beetles love light, food, and animal products
- They’re drawn to seeds, pet food, cereal, and plant-based items
Ways to Prevent Carpet Beetles
Keep your home carpet beetle-free! It’s the best way to avoid a rash caused by these pesky creatures. Make sure you inspect all beds, closets, and cabinets thoroughly – pay special attention to crevices between sheets and clothes where larvae could be lurking. Investing just a little bit of time in prevention can save you from an itchy uncomfortable situation down the road.
If carpet beetles get into your home, try the following:
- Clean carpets, rugs, and upholstered furniture, air vents, and baseboards.
- Get rid of dead insects, spider webs, and animal nests.
- Check flowers and plants before bringing them indoors.
- Install window and door screens or keep windows and doors closed.
- Keep clothes in airtight containers.
How to Tell If You Have Carpet Beetles
When looking for signs of carpet beetles, keep an eye out for the following.
- Carpet beetle skins that have been shed
- Holes in clothes or carpets.
- Welt-like rashes due to allergic reactions.
- Visible adult carpet beetles.
Carpet Beetles vs. Bed Bugs
While bed bugs lurk in the shadows and feast on unsuspecting sleepers, carpet beetles are content to nibble at stored food sources. Bed bugs slip into mattresses or carpets during daylight hours while their fuzzy counterparts scuttle around our cupboards looking for a meal – thankfully without ever sinking teeth in.
Unwelcome visitors in your home may leave more than just an unpleasant feeling – bed bug bites and carpet beetles can cause painful rashes, hives, and other uncomfortable symptoms. To ensure the best course of treatment for these reactions as well a proper pest identification, contact both an experienced exterminator to rid you house of pests and also consult with your doctor about possible treatments if needed.
Getting Rid of Carpet Beetles
Break free from the dreaded carpet beetle infestation with some helpful at-home remedies. Start by identifying their nesting spots, then take control of your space and put these easy DIY fixes to good use! Professional exterminators are available if you need extra assistance in ridding yourself of this nuisance pest.
Boric Acid
If you have an annoying pest problem, boric acid is a great solution. Simply sprinkle it lightly over carpets and let sit for several hours before vacuuming, or use a spray bottle to mist curtains and furnishings where pests like to hide- goodbye bugs.
Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth is a powerful ally in the fight against carpet beetle larvae. Its organic properties make it safe for people and pets, though you should take care to wear masks when applying its fine dust! In no time at all it will have those pesky critters desiccated – goodbye bugs hello peace of mind.
Use Insecticides
Treat your home with indoor insecticides if absolutely necessary. Follow all manufacturer safety precautions.
Protection Against Carpet Beetles
Protect your family and belongings from carpet beetles with Phenom Pest Protection! Our guaranteed pest control treatments throughout Maryland can keep nasty infestations in check. Don’t wait until the problem grows out of hand- contact us today for a free quote and let’s get rid of those bugs once and for all.
What does a carpet beetles bite look like?
Some carpeting beetle rashes may appear as small red dots, but a severe allergic reaction can cause larger and unsymmetrical red spots. Bedbug bites may last several years before they become evident, but they are easily identified based on the marks on the rashes in the ear.
Why are carpet beetles biting me?
Although beetles never bite, they may produce allergies referred to as carpet beetle rash. Carpet beetles leave behind hair causing irritation and allergic reactions. People with extreme sensitivities can experience big welts.
Do carpet beetles make you itchy?
Clinical Symptoms. Different articles describe the apparent allergic reaction to carpet beetle leaf larvae and hemolymphe. Hypersensitivity reactions occur in people whose bites cause severe itchy or dry itchy rash.