Black Carpet Beetles: What You Need to Know
You may have noticed itchy, itchy skin when you woke up. These tiny insects are often responsible for itching and undiagnosed bites. The black carpet beetle is another household pest that can cause skin irritation.
All over North America, carpet beetles can be found. They are small and difficult to find. They can eat any natural fibre. So they love to infest carpets and drawers that contain wool, cotton, or fur. They can be destructive to household items and cause skin problems in people.
What are black carpet beetles?
The United States is home to three types of carpet beetles. The most common carpet beetle in the United States is the black carpet beetle. It can be found all across the country. They can be found indoors or outdoors and love to eat fabrics, plants, and other protein sources.
There are four stages to the life cycle of these beetles:
Egg. Black Carpet Beetles lay approximately 90 eggs per egg. They hatch within 6-16 days.
Larva. Larvae are the beetles that emerge from their eggs. They measure approximately 5/16th of an inch long and are slim and long. Their bodies are covered in bristly hairs. They will remain in the larval stage for six months to one year.
Pupa. The larva develops into the pupal stage. This stage can last from 8 to 14 days.
Adult. Adult black carpet beetles are about 1/8 inch in length and black. Like all beetles, it can fly and crawl.
The larvae of beetles consume natural fibres. They prefer quiet areas with plenty of food. Black carpet beetles would love to find any space in your home where you keep fabrics. They can eat a variety of food sources, including:
- Wool
- Silk
- Leather
- Fur
- Pet hair
- Feathers
Carpet beetles can cause damage to the products they eat. Carpet beetles leave holes in fabric similar to those left by clothes moths. They can also damage carpeting or furniture.
Adult beetles like to live outside, where they can get pollen from the plants. They appear in spring. They may be found on your windowsills.
Do Black Carpet Beetles Bite?
Black carpet beetles may be something you discover after you see the fabric being damaged in your house. After experiencing itchy welts, you might suspect that you are infested. Carpet beetles might be the source of your discomfort. However, they don’t bite.
Carpet beetles aren’t able to bite living creatures, unlike bedbugs and mosquitoes. Their allergies are what irritate. Some people may be allergic to carpet beetle larvae. They can cause itchy, raised welts and rash when they come in contact.
Carpet beetle larvae are not always allergenic. Carpet beetles are different from bedbugs which most people consider allergenic. Carpet beetles can cause allergic reactions in some people.
You can treat a rash caused by carpet beetles using over-the-counter antihistamines and anti-itch creams. Talk to your doctor about prescription treatment options.
Black Carpet Beetles Controlled in Your Home
Once they are in your home, carpet beetles can be hard to eradicate. Finding them is the hardest part. You may not be able to see them in places that are easy to miss. The pests may be found in places that are not easily accessible, such as:
- Carpet edges
- Closets
- The lining of clothing
- Furniture placed under or inside
- Ductwork or air vents
- Attics and basements are areas where rodents or birds have nestled.
Extreme temperatures can be used to kill beetles. Carpet beetles can be killed by washing clothes in hot water and drying them in high heat. You can wrap clothes in plastic and freeze them for up to two weeks if you can’t machine wash them.
