How to get rid of dermestid beetles?

"Weird-colored bugs are showing up in my living room, and my husband thinks they’re carpet beetles. How do I get rid of them?"

Carpet beetles - also known as skin beetles or dermestid beetles - are small insects that feed on natural fibers like wool, silk, and leather, as well as lint, pet hair, and even stored food products. Because they hide in cracks, closets, and under furniture, they can be difficult to spot until you start noticing damage.

How hard is it to get rid of carpet beetles?

They can be very persistent. Adult beetles may only live a few weeks, but dermestid beetle larvae in the home can survive for months while feeding on fabrics and other materials. This long life cycle makes infestations tough to eliminate without professional help.

Tips for getting rid of dermestid beetles

While complete removal often requires professional help, you can try these steps:

• Vacuum rugs, carpets, and upholstered furniture regularly to remove larvae and eggs
• Wash or dry-clean infested clothing, bedding, and fabrics
• Store natural fiber items like wool and silk in sealed containers
• Clean out closets, baseboards, and cracks where lint and pet hair can build up
• Discard heavily infested items if they cannot be salvaged

These tips can cut down numbers, but because larvae often hide in unseen places, treatment by a professional technician is usually needed for lasting results.

Do carpet beetles die in winter?

While cold temperatures can slow them down outdoors, indoor heating allows them to stay active year-round. This means an infestation in your home won’t simply go away when the seasons change.

We can help with carpet beetle removal and prevention

If you’re struggling with dermestid beetles in the house, our technicians can inspect your home, identify the extent of the problem, and recommend targeted fabric pest control treatments. Along with addressing the current infestation, we’ll provide guidance on preventing new ones, so you can protect fabrics, furniture, and other belongings.