Pest and rodent infestations create issues everywhere. We’re well-aware of the damage that certain home-invaders can do on our properties and how uncomfortable it can be to live with pest problems. But pests attacking your carpets? Where does it end? It seems like there’s nothing off-limits to home-invading pests, but, fortunately, there may be something you can do to avoid carpet beetles in Bettendorf.
Looking For Larvae
Carpet beetles are unique creatures. They’re actually bigger when they’re younger. You see, an adult carpet beetle is only four millimeters in length, while carpet beetle larvae are typically longer. Plus, the larvae feature golden hairs that pop out noticeably from their oval-shaped bodies, setting them apart from their adult counterparts.
Although you’re more likely to notice carpet beetle larvae in your house, it will still be very hard to see them because of their aversion to human interaction. They’re quite skittish, preferring to hide within carpet and furniture fibers. While these kinds of places are their favorite hiding spots, they’re also the preferred meal of carpet beetle larvae. These develop into adults by feeding on carpet and furniture fibers.
This can cause unsightly tears in your carpets and furniture, but, more importantly, it can also lead to skin rashes. If you enjoy playing on the carpet with your children or just sitting around on the sofa, carpet beetle larvae can turn both of those activities into uncomfortable and unhealthy skin conditions.
Notice Signs Of Activity
Since carpet beetle larvae are so hard to see, many homeowners will allow an infestation to linger for quite a while. When this happens, carpet beetle larvae can end up covering most of your carpets and a number of your furniture pieces. This can feel overwhelming.
Fortunately, however, you might be able to see signs of their activity before it’s too late. Keep an eye on your windows and doors for signs of carpet beetle activity; the adults will gather in large, noticeable groups to try and sneak in once the door or window is opened. Carpet beetles love to lay eggs in your home, knowing that it’s a suitable environment for their larvae. Once the larvae begin eating, you might be able to notice small holes in your furniture items, torn threads in the carpets, and even small, shed skins lying around.
The Best Prevention Method
If you want to keep these pests from getting in at all, there are a few things you can do on your own. Try and seal up all potential entry points for adult carpet beetles, such as:
Cracks in windowsills
Crevices in the foundation
Tears in screens
Uncapped chimneys and vents
Gaps under doors
Another way to incur an infestation is by purchasing secondhand furniture. If you buy a piece of used furniture that already has carpet beetle larvae in it, you’ll be bringing in the potential of a widespread infestation. Once the larvae are in the house, they’ll move to carpets and other furniture quickly. Make sure to check used furniture thoroughly for any sort of fiber damage that could indicate carpet beetle larvae activity.
To be clear, you can do all of the DIY carpet beetle prevention activities in the world and still wind up with an infestation. There is no substitute for professional assurance. The best way to deal with a carpet beetle infestation is by calling the pros at Quik-Kill Pest Eliminators.