What Every Streator Homeowner Needs To Know About Carpet Beetle Larvae

Have you ever looked at an insect in your house and thought, "What on earth is that?" It wouldn't be surprising. There are a lot of insects in the world. Some experts estimate that there are more than 900,000 species of insects. If this doesn't make things confusing, some insects aren't insects in all stages of their development. If you look at a caterpillar, can you tell that it is going to become a butterfly? Many insects start as caterpillars. If you see a caterpillar in your home, or something that looks a lot like a caterpillar, it will be difficult to say with certainty that it is a carpet beetle if you don't know where carpet beetle larvae can be found, or the warning sign that you have carpet beetle larvae in your home. Here are a few things every Streator homeowner needs to know about carpet beetle larvae, starting with how to identify a carpet beetle infestation.

Carpet Beetles Are The Warning Sign

If you see oval beetles fluttering around inside your home, you don't need to be concerned about those beetles putting holes in your belongings. Carpet beetles eat nectar and pollen. But you shouldn't shrug those beetles off. They're letting you know that there could be larvae secretly crawling around in your home. When you uncover their larvae, you should have no doubt that you have an infestation.

What Carpet Beetle Larvae Look Like

We have four species of carpet beetles that invade our Streator homes. They are the black carpet beetle, the furniture carpet beetle, the common carpet beetle, and the varied carpet beetle. Each has a slightly different appearance. All of them are worm-like pests with tiny hairs. Some have lots of hairs, like a caterpillar. Some only have hair sticking off the end of the body.

Where Carpet Beetle Larvae Can Be Found

If you're looking to uncover carpet beetle larvae in your home, you have to look in dark places. While adult carpet beetles are attracted to light, their larvae prefer utter darkness. They can be found in dark closets and storage rooms feeding on items that are made from natural fibers such as wool, skins, furs, feathers, and sometimes cotton.

You may be able to lift a carpet up and find carpet beetles in the fibers. But most modern carpets have synthetic fibers and are not appetizing to carpet beetle larvae.

Carpet beetle larvae may be found feeding on dead mice that have been caught in traps, or dead insects in the backs of cabinets. They'll feed on starchy items in your pantry too, so you might want to check your stored products.

The Damage Carpet Beetles Do

When these worms feed, they can put holes in fabrics, carpets, tapestries, curtains, and objects made from animal products. If you have carpets made from natural fibers, you may start to see damage near the edges where they run along the walls. It can be difficult to tell the difference between damage done by carpet beetle larvae and other pests that damage fabrics, like clothes moths and silverfish. If you're not seeing adult carpet beetles in your home, you may need to consult a pest professional for assistance.

Are Carpet Beetle Larvae Dangerous?

It is not uncommon for carpet beetle larvae to get into bed with people. They may feed on silk sheets, wool covers, and other bedding made from natural fibers. When they do, rashy bumps can start to appear on the skin. These are not bites. Carpet beetles don't bite people. This is a rash that occurs when the hairs of the larvae brush against the skin—usually during sleep. If you're seeing a rash on your skin caused by these larvae, you don't need to be concerned. Carpet beetles are not known to spread diseases.

Carpet Beetle Control

It can be extremely difficult to get a carpet beetle infestation under control. Their ability to hide from view makes them difficult to track down. Getting rid of them requires a systematic approach and the use of EPA approved products. For assistance with this, reach out to Quik-Kill Pest Eliminators. We'll know what is required to get rid of carpet beetle larvae. Request a free pest inspection to get started.