How to Get Rid of Varied Carpet Beetles
A tiny, round beetle mottled with white, brown and yellow scales. The fuzzy, banded larvae chew holes in wool, silk, feathers, leather and stored animal products. If you are seeing them in bedrooms and beds and indoors, the steps below will help you clear them out and keep them from coming back.
Quick answer
- Vacuum carpets, closets, baseboards and under furniture often
- Wash or dry-clean stored wool and keep it in sealed containers
- Remove old bird and wasp nests and dead insects that feed larvae
Carpet beetles don't bite, but larval hairs can cause itchy skin rashes in some people.
Confirm you have varied carpet beetles
Before you treat anything, make sure you are really dealing with varied carpet beetles. Adults measure 2–3.5 mm (up to about 0.14 in) and are usually black, white, yellow and brown. Look for these features:
- Very small, round beetle with a mottled scale pattern
- Fuzzy, striped larvae with a tuft of hair at the tail
- Found on windowsills in spring and in closets year-round
They are most often confused with bed bug, drugstore beetle and larder beetle. See the full varied carpet beetle profile for side-by-side details.
Why you have varied carpet beetles
Varied Carpet Beetles feed on keratin in animal fibers such as wool, silk, fur, feathers and leather. Undisturbed closets, rug edges and storage boxes give larvae time to feed. Garments stored with food or sweat residue are especially attractive. They are most active in spring and summer, so expect to see more of them then.
When you'll see varied carpet beetles
Varied Carpet Beetles are most active in spring and summer. In spring, overwintering adults become active and many species lay their first eggs. Summer heat speeds up development, so populations can grow quickly.
Typical places to check: bedroom or bed and indoors, anywhere.
Step-by-step: getting rid of varied carpet beetles
Step 1: Vacuum carpets
Vacuum carpets, closets, baseboards and under furniture often. Combine this with the other steps rather than relying on it alone.
Step 2: Wash or dry-clean stored wool
Wash or dry-clean stored wool and keep it in sealed containers. Combine this with the other steps rather than relying on it alone.
Step 3: Remove old bird
Remove old bird and wasp nests and dead insects that feed larvae. Repeat this for at least two to three weeks, since eggs and hidden insects keep appearing for a while.
Natural and low-toxicity options
These methods work well alongside the steps above and keep chemical use to a minimum:
- Freeze infested items for a week in sealed bags.
- Wash in hot water or dry-clean anything that can take it.
- Brush and air out wool items in bright sunlight.
- Use pheromone traps to monitor adult activity.
If you do use a pesticide, choose one labeled for this pest and the place you're treating, and follow the label exactly. The label is the law.
When to call a professional
Call a professional if damage keeps appearing after cleaning, or if valuable rugs, taxidermy or heirloom textiles are involved.
How to keep varied carpet beetles from coming back
- Clean clothes before storing them for the season.
- Store wool and silk in sealed plastic bins or garment bags.
- Vacuum closets, rug edges and under furniture regularly.
- Remove bird nests and lint buildup around the house.
Safety notes
Carpet beetles don't bite, but larval hairs can cause itchy skin rashes in some people.
Keep children and pets away from any traps, baits or treated areas.
About beetles
The varied carpet beetle is one of the beetles. Beetles go through complete metamorphosis: egg, larva (grub), pupa and adult. The larval stage often does the most feeding and damage, and it can last from a few weeks to several years depending on the species. Adults protect their flight wings under hard wing covers called elytra, which is why most beetles look armored and meet in a neat line down the back.
Look closely at larvae as well as adults. Grubs in soil, fuzzy larvae in closets and small worms in flour are all beetle larvae, and finding them tells you where the problem is centered.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fastest way to get rid of varied carpet beetles?
Vacuum carpets, closets, baseboards and under furniture often. Most people see a clear drop in activity within one to three weeks when they combine this with sealing entry points and removing whatever attracts them.
Are varied carpet beetles dangerous?
Carpet beetles don't bite, but larval hairs can cause itchy skin rashes in some people.
When are varied carpet beetles most active?
Varied Carpet Beetles are most active in spring and summer.
What do varied carpet beetles look like?
Very small, round beetle with a mottled scale pattern. Adults measure 2–3.5 mm (up to about 0.14 in).