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Carpet beetle control in Toronto, the GTA and cottage country
Carpet beetles are small, round beetles whose larvae feed on wool, fur, feathers, silk and other natural fibres. The fuzzy larvae do the damage, often out of sight under furniture, in closets and along baseboards.
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How to identify carpet beetles
The adults and the larvae look nothing alike.
Adults
Tiny, round and mottled. Often found on window sills as they head outdoors to feed on flower pollen.
Larvae
Small, brown and covered in bristly hairs. This is the stage that eats fabric.
Signs to look for
- Small irregular holes in wool clothing, rugs or blankets
- Fuzzy brown larvae or their shed skins in closets and along baseboards
- Tiny round beetles on window sills in spring
- Bare patches in carpets under furniture or along walls
Why carpet beetles come inside
What draws them in
Carpet beetles feed on natural fibres, pet hair, lint and dead insects. Adults fly in through open windows or ride in on cut flowers, then lay eggs where larvae will have food.
Health and home risks
Carpet beetles don't bite, but contact with the larvae's hairs can irritate some people's skin. The main problem is damage to clothing, rugs, upholstery and stored items.
How we handle carpet beetles
Find the source
We inspect closets, carpets, baseboards and storage to find where larvae are feeding.
Targeted treatment
Treatment applied to carpets, baseboards, cracks and closet floors.
Clean up plan
A clear list of what to vacuum, wash and store before and after treatment.
Follow up
A check to make sure no larvae are left.
Prevention tips
- Vacuum carpets, baseboards, closets and under furniture often
- Wash or dry clean wool clothing before putting it away
- Store seasonal clothing in sealed containers
- Clear lint, pet hair and dead insects from corners and vents
- Check cut flowers before bringing them inside
- Keep window screens in good repair
Common questions about carpet beetles
What's eating holes in my sweaters?
Carpet beetle larvae or clothes moth larvae are the usual cause. Both feed on wool and other natural fibres, and an inspection tells us which one you have.
Do carpet beetles bite?
No. Some people get an itchy rash from contact with the larvae's hairs, which is sometimes mistaken for bites.
Related pests
Reviewed by PestDepart's licensed exterminators. For health concerns, including bites or stings, contact your doctor or local public health unit.