Carpet Beetles
Anthrenus spp., Attagenus spp.
Adult carpet beetles are small, oval, and often have colorful mottled patterns. Common species include varied carpet beetles (multicolored spots), black carpet beetles (solid black), and furniture car...
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How to Identify Carpet Beetles
Adult carpet beetles are small, oval, and often have colorful mottled patterns. Common species include varied carpet beetles (multicolored spots), black carpet beetles (solid black), and furniture carpet beetles (mottled yellow/black).
Adult carpet beetles are small, oval, and often have colorful mottled patterns. Common species include varied carpet beetles (multicolored spots), black carpet beetles (solid black), and furniture carpet beetles (mottled yellow/black). Larvae are carrot-shaped and hairy—the damaging stage.
Carpet Beetles Behavior & Habits
Understanding how carpet beetles behave helps prevent infestations
Larvae feed on animal-based materials: wool, silk, leather, fur, feathers, and even pet hair accumulations. Adults feed on pollen and are often found near windows. One generation takes 1-3 years. Damage often goes unnoticed until significant.
Carpet Beetles Risks & Dangers
What carpet beetles can do to your health and property
Health Risks
Carpet beetle larvae have tiny hairs that can cause allergic reactions, dermatitis, and respiratory issues in sensitive individuals. Some people develop itchy rashes from handling infested items.
Property Damage
Larvae cause significant damage to wool carpets, clothing, upholstered furniture, taxidermy, insect collections, and stored animal products. Damage appears as irregular holes and bare spots.
Signs of Carpet Beetles Infestation
Look for these indicators in your home
Carpet Beetles in Boise & the Treasure Valley
Carpet beetles are common in Boise homes, especially older houses with wool carpets or stored woolens. Museum collections, vintage clothing, and inherited textiles often harbor infestations. Dry Idaho conditions help preserve the animal materials that carpet beetles feed on.
How We Eliminate Carpet Beetles
Professional treatment for complete elimination
Carpet beetle control requires thorough inspection to locate infestation sources. We treat affected areas with residual insecticides, recommend cleaning and storage practices, and may apply insect growth regulators for ongoing protection. Severe infestations may require multiple treatments over several months.
How to Prevent Carpet Beetles
Steps you can take to reduce the risk of infestation
Carpet Beetles Questions Answered
Common questions about identification, prevention, and treatment
Are carpet beetles the same as bed bugs?
No. Carpet beetles eat fabric and natural fibers; they don't bite or feed on blood. However, carpet beetle larvae hairs can cause itchy skin reactions that are sometimes mistaken for bites.
Why do I only see beetles near windows?
Adult carpet beetles are attracted to light and feed on pollen. They fly toward windows to exit. The larvae—which cause the damage—stay hidden in dark areas feeding on fabrics.
Can carpet beetles destroy synthetic carpets?
No. Carpet beetles only eat natural animal fibers (wool, silk, leather). Synthetic carpets are safe. However, carpet beetles may eat accumulated pet hair, lint, or food debris on any carpet.
Similar Pests
Learn about other pests in this category