Are Carpet Beetles Harmful? Pest and Insect Experts Explain

If you’ve noticed any damage to your carpet or textiles, you might be dealing with carpet beetles. These small, oval-shaped insects feed on natural fibers and animal byproducts. But exactly what risks do they pose? We have the answer. Below, our experts break down the risks associated with carpet beetles, how to rid your home of them, and, finally, preventive methods to halt their return. 

Carpet Beetles 101

Commonly referred to as dermestids, larder beetles, or skin beetles, carpet beetles feed on a variety of dry plant and animal matter. "Adult beetles are typically one-eighth to three-sixteenth inches long and are often solid black or dark brown with a hard exterior shell that is covered with tiny hairs," explains Emma Grace Crumbley, entomologist at Mosquito Squad Plus. "Sometimes have spotted white, yellow, or orange patterns."

As pest expert Isaac Rockwell adds, "Some species feed mostly on decaying carcasses, some on feathers, grains, pasta, pollen, or other materials." And an especially creepy fun fact? "They are well known for their ability to completely clean a skeleton, and are frequently used by taxidermists and museums to prepare animal mounts and exhibits," Rockwell says.

Associated Risks of Carpet Beetles

Though that information may sound, well, moderately horrifying, carpet beetles pose no potential harm to you personally. Outside of incidental contact with shed hairs, carpet beetles will not bite or interact at all with humans. "However, under some conditions, typically very heavy infestations, the larvae of some species may shed very small hairs that can cause contact dermatitis, respiratory issues, or even allergic reactions if food items are infested and then eaten," says Rockwell.  

The same goes for pets, too. “They don’t bite, live on animals, or transmit disease,” says Amber Batteiger, veterinary technician and communications manager at Embrace Pet Insurance. “The main issue is the larvae, whose tiny hairs can occasionally cause mild skin irritation or itching in pets that lie on carpets or bedding.” These reactions are uncommon, usually minor, and can resemble environmental allergies. “From a veterinary standpoint, carpet beetles are more of an environmental nuisance than a medical concern,” Batteiger says.

The primary risk—and the reason carpet beetles are considered household pests—is their habit of eating natural fibers and materials. “The primary concern of homeowners battling a carpet beetle infestation is the damage they cause around the home from feeding on natural fibers like wool, silk, and leather,” says Crumbley.

As their name suggests, carpet beetles are notorious for damaging carpets, but they can also feed on clothing, upholstered furniture, and even stored grains or pantry items like flour.

Signs of an Infestation

While you may not notice the beetles themselves right away due to their small size, the evidence they leave behind is hard to ignore.

Below, Crumbley details a few of the most common signs of a carpet beetle infestation:

• Irregular holes in rugs, curtains, or wool clothing
• Thin, papery skins left behind from carpet beetle larvae
• Small, white carpet beetle eggs tucked in furniture cracks or fabric folds
• Tiny beetles crawling or flying near windows 
• Itchy welts or carpet beetle rash on your skin

Effective Ways to Fight Carpet Beetles

If you notice signs of carpet beetles, start with a thorough cleaning. “This means you need to vacuum upholstery, carpets, carpet edges and under furniture,” explains pest control professional Nicole Carpenter. “The floors have to be vacuumed slowly and thoroughly, especially along edges and corners.”

You also want to wash or remove infested fabrics. “Wash everything you can wash at 120 degrees Fahrenheit and dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes,” Carpenter says. “For items you can't wash, put them in the dryer for 60 minutes or freeze for seven days.”

After washing items and cleaning the house, use boric acid powder along baseboards, cracks, and carpet edges. “Keep vacuuming every two days for three weeks,” Carpenter suggests, “because new larvae can hatch over time and their eggs can survive initial cleaning and hatch later.”

Tips for Preventing Carpet Beetles

The best defense against a carpet beetle infestation is a good offense, says Crumbley. Here are a few smart strategies she suggests to keep carpet beetles away.

• Seal cracks, gaps, and potential entry points around your home
• Store clothes and linens in airtight containers, especially if they’re made of natural fibers
• Reduce food sources by regularly cleaning up pet hair, lint, and crumbs 
• Keep windows and doors closed or screened 
• Inspect new rugs brought into the home, especially if acquired second-hand 
• Contact a pest control professional to schedule outdoor perimeter treatments