How To Get Rid Of Carpet Beetles: Complete Guide

Carpet beetles are a common household pest that can damage carpets, rugs, clothing, and even furniture. If you’ve spotted these small insects in your home, don’t panic as there are effective ways to eliminate them and prevent them from coming back.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to get rid of carpet beetles step by step, plus expert tips on prevention to keep your home pest-free.

Table of Contents

• What Are Carpet Beetles?
  
  
• Signs of a Carpet Beetle Infestation
  
  
• How To Get Rid Of Carpet Beetles
  
  
  • 1. Deep Clean Affected Areas
    
    
  • 2. Wash and Treat Fabrics
    
    
  • 3. Apply Insecticides Carefully
    
    
  • 4. Remove Infested Items
    
    
  • 5. Seal Entry Points
    
    
• How To Prevent Carpet Beetles
  
  
• Final Note: Protect Your Home
  
  

What Are Carpet Beetles?

Carpet beetles are small insects that feed on natural fibres. While the adults are harmless and often feed on pollen, their larvae can damage:

• Wool carpets and rugs
  
  
• Upholstered furniture
  
  
• Clothing and blankets
  
  
• Stored fabrics
  
  

They thrive in dark, undisturbed areas and can be tricky to spot at first.

Signs of a Carpet Beetle Infestation

Look out for these signs:

• Small holes in carpets, rugs, or clothes
  
  
• Shed larval skins that look like brown shells
  
  
• Adult beetles near windows or lights (they’re attracted to light)
  
  
• Tiny black, brown, or mottled insects crawling on floors or walls
  
  

Pro Tip: Early detection makes removal much easier.

How To Get Rid Of Carpet Beetles

Here’s how to eliminate them step by step:

1. Deep Clean Affected Areas

• Vacuum carpets, rugs, and furniture thoroughly.
  
  
• Focus on edges, under furniture, and corners.
  
  
• Empty and clean the vacuum afterwards to remove any larvae or eggs.
  
  
• Consider steam-cleaning carpets for extra effectiveness.
  
  

2. Wash and Treat Fabrics

• Wash infested clothing, bedding, or curtains in hot water if safe.
  
  
• Dry on high heat or dry-clean items that can’t be machine washed.
  
  
• Store clean fabrics in sealed containers.
  
  

3. Apply Insecticides Carefully

• Use an approved insecticide spray on carpet edges, baseboards, and cracks.
  
  
• Choose products specifically for carpet beetles.
  
  
• Follow all safety instructions and keep pets/children away until dry.
  
  
• Consider professional pest control for large infestations.
  
  

4. Remove Infested Items

• Discard heavily infested rugs, old clothes, or soft furnishings that can’t be cleaned.
  
  
• Don’t forget to clean the area where they were stored.
  
  
• Reducing clutter helps eliminate hiding places.
  
  

5. Seal Entry Points

• Carpet beetles can enter from outdoors.
  
  
• Seal cracks around doors and windows.
  
  
• Install screens and fix gaps to keep them out.
  
  

How To Prevent Carpet Beetles

Once you’ve treated an infestation, prevention is key:

• Vacuum regularly, especially edges and under furniture.
  
  
• Store off-season clothes and blankets in sealed containers.
  
  
• Clean out closets, attics, and basements to reduce hiding spots.
  
  
• Check fresh flowers or plants (adults can enter them).
  
  
• Inspect second-hand rugs or upholstered furniture before bringing them home.
  
  

Pro Tip: Regular cleaning is the best defence against carpet beetles.

Final Note: Protect Your Home

Carpet beetles can be persistent, but with thorough cleaning and smart prevention, you can keep them under control.

If you’re refreshing your flooring or replacing damaged carpets, make sure to choose quality carpet and underlay for lasting results.

Browse our full carpet collection or contact us today for expert advice, samples, and installation help.