How to Get Rid of Carpet Beetles

Extensive Damage

Unlike moths that leave scattered holes, carpet beetle larvae cause extensive harm to large areas of garments, carpets, and other items.

Hard to Detect

Feeding activity is usually concentrated in dark, secluded spaces, complicating detection and management of infestations.

Valuable Items at Risk

Damage extends to piano felts, taxidermied animals, luxury upholstery, silken tapestries, and other expensive, hard-to-replace items.

Cleaning and Eliminating Food Sources

A thorough clean-up targeting accumulations of lint, hair, dead insects, and other organic debris can significantly reduce the appeal of your home. Pay special attention to fabrics with stains from food and perspiration.

Tip: Launder items in hot water to eliminate all stages of carpet beetles in affected textiles.

Vacuuming

Vacuum all carpets and rugs, paying special attention to edges, corners, and under furniture where larvae often hide. Use the crevice tool for upholstered furniture and hard-to-reach areas.

Important: Dispose of the vacuum bag immediately to prevent reinfestation.

Protect Items in Storage

Ensure items are pest-free before storing. Use airtight containers as the first line of defense to preserve clothing, fabrics, and other susceptible materials. Carpet beetles and larvae cannot infiltrate sealed containers.

Heating, Freezing, and Suffocating

Steam Cleaning

Steam cleaning complements vacuuming by using high temperatures to exterminate pests at all life stages. The steam penetrates deep into fabrics, carpets, and upholstery, reaching areas a vacuum cannot.

Laundry

Laundering leverages heat, water, and detergent to eliminate carpet beetles. Detergent alters water surface tension, preventing insects from trapping air bubbles, leading to suffocation.

Method: Wash with hot water (120°F+), then dry at highest temperature for 30-60 minutes.

Using Vinegar

Create a solution of equal parts vinegar and water. Apply with a spray bottle to carpets, upholstery, and fabric surfaces. Both white and apple cider vinegar are effective.

For closets or drawers, wash stored clothing in a vinegar and water solution to kill larvae and eggs.

Diatomaceous Earth

This natural desiccant dehydrates larvae upon contact. Apply to rugs, backs of cabinets and closets, and around baseboards where beetles hide.

Insecticides

Apply insecticides where carpet beetle activity has been identified:

• Edges of floor coverings, next to baseboards
• Beneath rugs and furniture
• Inside closets and on shelving with susceptible fabrics
• Cracks and crevices where lint accumulates
• Attics or wall voids (using insecticidal dusts like silica aerogel)

Vapor Phase Additives

When storing items in airtight containers, mothballs or crystals containing paradichlorobenzene (PDB) offer additional protection. PDB acts as a vapor-phase insecticide and repellent.

Caution: Prevent contact with plastic components or food items due to potential damage or contamination.

Boric Acid

Available in powder form at supermarkets and pharmacies. Boric acid leverages its toxic impact on insect metabolism to eradicate pests.

Regular Cleaning

• Clean up human and pet hair under furniture
• Address spilled grains and flour immediately
• Wash heavily soiled clothing promptly

Vacuum Frequently

• Windowsills in spring (where adults congregate)
• Under all furniture, including couches and beds
• Pantry areas, especially after spills
• Closets with long-term stored natural fiber clothes

Storage Best Practices

• Use airtight containers for susceptible items
• Clean items before storing
• Add cedar blocks or lavender sachets
• Inspect stored items periodically