Beginners Guide to Identifying and Getting Rid of Carpet Beetles - Baton Rouge Pest Control

Finding creepy crawlies in your home or business can be a major problem. Whether you simply hate sharing your space with so many insects or you don't want to deal with the effects of the bugs, turning to a Baton Rouge pest control team early in your infestation problem can help speed up your recovery. Carpet beetles can wreak havoc on a home and take a while to get rid of. Read through this beginner's guide to learn how to identify the bugs, locate their nest and find the right carpet beetle treatment.

Varied Carpet Beetle

​How Can You Tell Carpet Beetles Are in Your Home?
 
Before you can figure out how to get rid of a pest, you need to know what it is. Most adult carpet beetles, which are about the same size as the head of a needle, have a similar look and coloring.
 

• Oval-shaped
• Black and gray coloring
• Black and brown coloring

 
Some varieties may have yellow or white markings on their backs, too. Typically, an infestation includes both adult and larvae forms of the bug. A carpet beetle larva has hair-like protrusions from one or both ends and brown bands running across the back.
 
As you look around your home, you may notice fecal pellets and shed skins. These are common signs of infestation. It may be helpful to call in a Baton Rouge pest control specialist when you first notice these.
 
Another distinguishing feature of the beetle is its movement patterns. These bugs move slowly across floors or carpeted surfaces. If you touch one, it may roll over.
 
Where Are Infestations Concentrated?
 
Carpet beetles can spread across your entire home or office, but typically these pests are drawn to certain areas::
 

• Carpets in closets or dark locations
• Upholstered furniture
• Clothing in dark closets
• Dog food bins
• Fresh flower pots
• Dark air ducts

 
The bugs are typically drawn to fabrics, but they also love dark, secluded locations. A pest control company may be able to help you locate the main group of carpet beetles.
 
How Can You Get Rid of These Pests?
 
The exact carpet beetle treatment you use may vary based on the severity of your infestation. You can get great advice on treatment options from a reputable Baton Rouge pest control company. The following steps may help:

1. Vacuum: If you are able to find the source of the infestation, you should be sure to vacuum that part of your home. However, it is a good idea to vacuum all of the carpeted areas in your house. Vacuum any upholstered furniture that cannot be washed in a washing machine. Typically, you should vacuum once a day for at least a week. If you have a bad infestation, you may need to vacuum several times a day for a while.
2. Steam: If you are dealing with a particularly bad infestation, it may be a good idea to steam clean your carpets and furniture. This will help ensure you get rid of the resilient bugs.
3. Wash: Any fabrics that can be washed should get washed in hot, soapy water. This includes any clothing, linens, pillow covers, towels and other fabric items that are not stored in air tight containers. Use a washing machine when possible.
4. Remove: Some items may be too far gone to save. If the beetles have eaten away some of your clothing items, it may be a good idea to throw these articles away.
5. Protect: As a precautionary step, you may want to start protecting your susceptible items. You can store off-season clothing in air tight bags or containers to stop the insects from getting to them. You can protect other areas of your home by introducing sunlight. Open closet doors for at least a few hours a day and keep the drapes open to deter the little beetles. Regular cleanings could also help you protect your upholstered items, carpeted areas and fabric belongings.
6. Spray: Applying an insecticide can help kill off any surviving bugs. Because these chemical sprays can be dangerous, you may want to trust a Baton Rouge pest control team to apply the spray to your house. They can do a broad carpet treatment as well as spot treatments for affected areas.
7. Trap: Setting interior traps around cracks and crevices can stop new beetles from getting in. For carpet beetles, hormone-based glue traps are typically the most effective. Not only can this trap help stop new bugs from becoming a problem, but it can also show how many beetles are trying to get into your space.
8. Close: During the nicer parts of the year, open windows and doors can invite carpet beetles and other insects straight into your home. You should avoid leaving windows and doors open if they don't have a screen. If you do have screens, repair any holes or tears to reduce your chances of welcoming beetles into your space.
9. Barricade: Not only do you want to stop the bugs on the inside, but you also want to set up a barrier on the outside of your home or building. Spray liquid insecticides around the lower part of your foundation as well as on any grass or dirt around the home. Your Baton Rouge pest control specialist may choose to create a two- to three-foot barrier outside of your home to effectively stop the pests. As you create a barrier, you should also treat windows, vents, utility pipes and door frames.
10. Inspect: Beetles can crawl their way into your home, but some may hitch a ride on flowers and plants. Before you bring an outdoor plant inside, you may want to look at it closely for signs of the 3-mm bug.
11. Move: Finally, you want to make sure the bug does not have prime egg-laying locations near your house. Carpet beetles typically lay their eggs in birds' and bees' nests. You can either destroy the nests or move them a respectable distance from the house or building.

 
Getting rid of carpet beetles can take a long time. If you don't have the time or equipment to properly clean and protect your house, you can turn to a Baton Rouge pest control company that specializes in carpet beetle treatment.