Black Carpet Beetle Treatment in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut

What are black carpet beetles? 

Black carpet beetles belong to the scientific order Coleoptera. They are the most common and most destructive type of carpet beetle found in the United States. These pesky pests damage household products that contain keratin, plant products, and synthetic fabrics.

What do black carpet beetles look like? 

Black carpet beetles are pill-shaped, approximately 1/4” long, and are black or very dark brown. Adult black carpet beetle legs and antennae may look slightly lighter brown than their bodies.

Black carpet beetle larvae resemble caterpillars. They’re cigar or carrot-shaped and look slightly longer and more narrow than their adult counterparts. They have distinctive long, curled, golden-brown hair protruding from their tail-end. At the beginning of each step in their life cycle, black carpet beetles may appear pale or even white. The pest darkens very quickly with age.

What are the signs of a black carpet beetle infestation? 

Black carpet beetle larvae eat large, irregular holes through their food sources. These holes are noticeable on fabric. As they eat, larvae leaves behind shed skin near their food. This skin is very flakey and often breaks down into dust-like material; you might find this material on fabric or stored foods.

How to get rid of carpet beetles 

Carefully inspect dark areas such as basements, pantries, boiler rooms, and attics, look for beetles on either organic animal products such as fabrics or stored food products. Vacuum up beetles, larvae, and eggs you find. Throw out infested food and wash infested fabrics thoroughly. Pay special attention to pet bedding and shed fur. If all else fails, contact Assured Environments—we provide exceptional carpet beetle treatment in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut!