Carpet beetles are sneaky little pests that can do serious damage to your home before you even realize they’re there. These bugs feed on natural fibers like wool, silk, and cotton. Over time, they leave behind holes in clothes, upholstered furniture, rugs, and curtains—and that’s just the start.
Luckily, once you know what signs to look for and what to do about these annoying pests, you can stop the damage and keep them from coming back.
What are carpet beetles and why are they a problem?
Carpet beetles are small insects that feed on animal-based materials. They often get into homes by flying in through open windows or hitching a ride on flowers, clothing, or even pets. The adult beetles themselves aren’t the main problem; it’s when they are in the larval stage that they cause damage. Carpet beetle larvae are worm-like with stiff hairs, and love to eat. They chew through household items like wool, feathers, fur, and other natural fibers.
“There are three core signs of Carpet Beetles/Bugs in the home,” shares home cleaning expert Sara Aparacio from Homeaglow. “The first is the appearance of thin and bare areas or even holes in the natural fabric, such as carpets, curtains, and clothes. Indicating that something is eating away at the material. The next sign is the appearance of shed skins from the larvae; as they grow, they discard their light brown empty skin cases and a trail of fecal pellets.”
This kind of damage to fabrics builds up slowly. Many people don’t realize they have a problem until it’s already pretty bad. That’s why spotting them early is so important.
What gets rid of carpet beetles?
The most direct way to get rid of carpet beetle larvae and successful control of future infestations is to clean—and not just a quick vacuum or spot treatments. You need to dig into deep cleaning. That means washing, vacuuming, and even steam cleaning in places they like to hide.
Here are some simple things to try:
- Regular vacuuming under carpet edges, rugs, and floors often (especially near walls and under furniture where dust collects)
- Washing or dry cleaning any clothing, linens, or fabrics that may have been exposed
- Clean or throw out infested items
- Use a steam cleaner on carpets or upholstery
- Seal cracks and openings where they may be entering
- Store vulnerable items and clothes in tightly sealed plastic storage containers instead of cardboard
“If you find carpet beetles in the home, be sure to act by following the cleaning advice to get rid of them, or contacting a pest control expert," recommends Aparacio. "In many cases, you can control and eliminate carpet bug infestations through deep cleaning, followed by regular cleaning, but sometimes professional pest control services may still be needed.”
Some people also use insecticides or chemical treatments around baseboards, window sills, and other likely entry points. Be careful and read all labels if you go this route. You can also try natural options like diatomaceous earth or essential oil products, but they tend to work better as part of a regular cleaning routine—not as a one-time fix.
How to know if you're dealing with black carpet beetles
Black carpet beetles are the most common type found in the house. They’re small, black or very dark brown, and oval-shaped. The adult beetles don’t usually do the damage; it's the larvae that eat your stuff. Larvae are longer and reddish-brown or tan, with bristly hairs on their bodies.
“[Also,] the adult beetles are small but still visible to the naked eye and can often be found near light sources,” explains Aparacio. “Windows, doors, and even lamps will see them congregate, and you may spot a line or cluster of bugs. This is my obvious sign of the bugs being present in the home. However, as soon as you spot holes or worn fabrics, or even shed skins, you should investigate thoroughly to check for further evidence.”
If you’ve seen a cluster of small bugs near your window sills or doorframe and you’ve also noticed clothing or fabric damage, there’s a good chance you’ve got black carpet beetles or one of their cousins.
FAQ
Can carpet beetles bite humans?
No, they don’t bite, but their tiny hair fibers can cause skin irritation. Some people get allergic reactions after contact with larvae or their shed larval skins, especially if there's a major infestation.
What are carpet bugs attracted to?
Carpet bugs (another term for the beetles) are drawn to natural fibers and food sources like pet hair, lint, and dead insects. They’re also attracted to light, so you might spot them near window sills or light fixtures. Keep your home clean and clutter-free to make it less inviting to them.
