Carpet beetles, common carpet beetles that infest most carpet fabrics and can cause serious damage to furniture and other valuable household items are difficult to identify. Carpet beetles’ main predators include rabbits, mice, raccoons, snakes, and bats. They are however more popularly associated with carpets and other carpet materials as they prefer dark, warm, moist places to live.
The main tell-tale signs of carpet beetles are brown or black spots that have irregularly shaped openings which are their entry points to the materials they live in. These spots are easily missed on newer carpets but remain prominent on older carpets. They also have a distinct odour that is usually similar to cedar or pine and emits a piercing, ticking or chirping sound.
When the problem persists after you have purchased new carpeting and your cat has already chewed on it, check your cat’s living quarters for moisture. Moisture makes it easier for the carpet beetles to thrive and multiply rapidly. Examine your current carpets for signs of damage that might be a possible indicator of an infestation.
If you have your own pet, it is not advisable to leave it outside all the time because they can transfer the beetles from one piece of furniture to another. If you have a kitty condo or any type of feline-only housing, make sure that the cat’s litter box is clean and dry before bringing it inside the residence. Cats love to play with the carpet beetles’ eggs, but they prefer them over human beings!
Many people think that when their carpet beetles are discovered, there is no need to take any further steps. However, it is best to get rid of the insects and start over from scratch. There are steps that you can take to prevent your carpet beetles from reproducing and re-infesting your home.
First, make sure that you have correctly laid down the carpets before you buy them and that you inspect them before you decide to buy them. Check for cracks, holes, wear, and tear, and to see if any spots look like carpet beetles’ nests. This is not a very difficult task to do and should take about two hours per carpet.
Next, make sure that you clean the carpets regularly and check them for signs of carpet beetles. You should buy a carpet cleaning product that is made especially for carpets. Get some carpet cleaner to remove small deposits of dirt that might be hiding in the carpet itself.
The first step in preventing carpet beetles from re-infesting your carpet is to keep your home clean. Make sure that your furniture is cleaned thoroughly and wiped dry before putting them back on. Any toys that have dirt in them should be cleaned or at least wiped down. Any remnants of food from leftover meals should be wiped down as well.
It is also important to look over all of your pet’s sleeping areas. You should make sure that they are empty and that you vacuum them thoroughly. If you have pets at home, make sure that you make a habit of cleaning them regularly as well.
Furthermore, when you take your pets out, ensure that you vacuum up any dirt that is left on your carpets after each activity. You should then change your carpets in between your pets so that you don’t spread the eggs of the carpet beetles. A non-acidic detergent is all that you need for the job.
Another important step to preventing the beetles from returning is by installing a drain that will allow water to drain out when your pet drinks. The carpet should be free from any discolouration and insect bites. If you find any small or large-sized holes in your carpet, they should be addressed immediately as well. Contact Carpet Cleaning Prices and get an inspection for free.
There are a lot of ways in which you can prevent and stop the carpet beetles from invading your carpet and damaging your new carpet. However, regular inspection of your carpet and good maintenance is still the best way to prevent them from making a comeback!