Carpet Beetles
Carpet beetles are a common pest in Toms River, NJ, often found in homes and businesses, especially during the springtime. Ozane Termite & Pest Control is here to help residents prevent and manage infestations of these fabric-eating insects, which can cause serious damage to carpets, clothing, and upholstery if left unchecked.
What Are Carpet Beeltes
Carpet beetles are small, oval-shaped insects often seen in large numbers around window sills in the spring. They are notorious for causing damage to natural fibers found in carpets, clothing, and household items.
- Larvae: Carpet beetle larvae, which do most of the damage, are tiny, between ⅛ to ¼ inch long, and densely covered in hair. They are oval-shaped and darker in color.
- Adults: Adult carpet beetles are flat, oval, and come in a variety of mottled colors, including white, brown, yellow, and orange. Once mature, they no longer feed on fabrics and instead feed on plant pollen.
How Do Carpet Beetles Enter Homes in Toms River?
Toms River's temperate climate and proximity to natural environments make it a prime location for carpet beetle infestations. These pests can enter homes in several ways:
- Open windows and doors
- Through gaps or cracks in walls
- Carried inside on infested items
Once inside, adult carpet beetles look for places to lay eggs near natural fibers, such as wool carpets, discarded fabrics, or even pet hair.
The Damage Carpet Beetles Cause
The damage caused by carpet beetles happens primarily during the larval stage when they feed on organic materials. In homes across Toms River, carpet beetle larvae target:
- Carpets and rugs made of wool
- Clothing items in closets or storage
- Upholstery containing natural fibers
- Fur, felt, feathers, and leather items
The larvae feed on keratin, a protein found in animal fibers, making them particularly destructive to these materials. Synthetic fibers are typically safe unless they are mixed with natural fibers or stained with organic matter like food.
How to Prevent Carpet Beetles
To prevent a carpet beetle infestation in Toms River homes, residents should take proactive measures to reduce their access to food sources and breeding grounds. Here are some practical prevention tips:
- Vacuum regularly: Especially around baseboards, carpets, and upholstered furniture, where beetle larvae tend to hide.
- Dry clean clothes before storage: Carpet beetles are drawn to dark, undisturbed clothing. Dry cleaning kills larvae and eggs.
- Store natural fiber items properly: Keep wool, fur, and leather in sealed containers or garment bags.
- Reduce clutter: Clumps of hair, piles of fabric, or dust around the home can attract carpet beetles.
- Inspect plants brought indoors: Since adult beetles feed on pollen, they may hitch a ride on flowers or other plants.
Carpet Beetles vs. Bed Bugs: How to Tell Them Apart
Many homeowners confuse carpet beetles with bed bugs, as both are small, oval, and dark in color. However, there are key differences:
- Bed bugs feed on human blood and cause bites, whereas carpet beetles do not.
- Carpet beetles are more likely to damage your carpets and clothing, not your skin.
Similar Pests: Ground Beetle, Bed Bugs