Carpet Beetles

Carpet Beetles

Anthrenus verbasci

Introduction

Carpet beetles are destructive little pests that go about their business, unnoticed for long periods of time, secretly causing considerable amounts of damage before being discovered. Adult beetles usually lay their eggs in clothes or carpets, under furniture and around skirting boards.

Carpet Beetles are major pests in the textile industry. Their larvae cause severe damage to carpets, clothes, upholstery, woollen and leather materials, basically consuming anything that is organic. Adult beetles are hard to detect measuring anywhere between 2 to 4 mm in length and their tiny bodies are oval-shaped and can exhibit brown, black, yellow and mottled white colorations.

Adult carpet beetles prefer to live outdoors feeding off pollen, seeds and nectar but will sometimes hitchhike inside the home on cut flowers. Adult Carpet beetles are active during the day and are often observed gathering around windows and lights, whilst their Larvae tend to be secretive and stick to less travelled low profile areas.

It is the Carpet Beetle's larvae that does the most amount of damage and in favourable conditions, females can lay anywhere between 25 to 100 eggs, which will hatch into larvae within 14 days. Carpet Beetle larvae may take over a year to fully develop into adults and can mature under a variety of conditions. Carpet beetle larvae are brown and covered in coarse hair.

Treatment details, warranty and cost

Our Carpet Beetle treatment include a complete spray treatment to all affected areas includes walls skirtings, window sills, all floor spaces and floor coverings, cupboards and furniture such as beds & mattresses.

We use a high quality, low hazard IGR insecticide (insect growth regulator) that is specifically designed to interfere with the development of the Carpet Beetle at the primitive stage of their life cycle. This long lasting targeted treatment stops Carpet Beetle in their tracks preventing the natural metamorphosis of the flea insuring they never reach adulthood and cannot reproduce.

We stop the breeding cycle, and you can help prevent reinfestation with regular vacuuming of your carpeted areas and routine treatment of your dog or cat with appropriate flea control products.

TYPE OF STRUCTURE COST Internal Treatment Only
Average 1-2 bedroom unit/apartment from $240 + gst
Average 3 bedroom house/townhouse from $280 + gst
Large 4 + bedroom house from $380 + gst

*PLEASE NOTE: The price list table above is based on 'SIGHT UNSEEN' and reflects the cost to treat an Average Home, however there may be factors that are unknown to us, that might affect just how much it will cost to remove Carpet Beetle's from your home. Treatment cost largely depends on the size and the extent of the affected areas as well as the intensity of infestation. The ease of accessibility for inspection and treatment purposes may also be a factor in cost determination. Guarantee periods may be positively or negatively affected depending on the surrounding environmental circumstances, the level of housekeeping procedures and the assessed risk of possible re-infestation.

WARRANTY

Depending on environmental factors, our service carries a 3-month warranty from date of service. However we reserve the right not to provide warranty particularly in multi - residental situations.The ease of accessibility for inspection and treatment purposes may also be a factor in cost determination. Guarantee periods may be positively or negatively affected depending on the surrounding environmental circumstances, the level of housekeeping procedures and the assessed risk of possible re-infestation.

PREPARATION

In order to carry out a treatment efficiently we will require you/tenant to be present on the day of treatment where at this stage you/tenant would have cleared all areas that require spraying/treatment i.e. removal all of kitchen utensils, pots & pans, crockery, food items from benches, tea towels, bathroom towels, toothbrushes, soaps etc.

All toys to be covered or removed and stored away. Also, all pet food bowls and pets to be removed from the premises for a minimum 4 hours. Once our technician has confirmed that all these items have been cleared, you/tenant will be required to leave during the treatment process. We require you/tenant to leave the property unattended for a minimum of 4 hours, this allows our spray treatments to dry and set.

After this time, you may re-enter, and we recommend opening windows and doors to allow ventilation. If areas are still damp, we recommend you turn on heating and/or fans to expedite the drying of our treatment.

FOR BEST RESULTS: we recommend you thoroughly vacuum all carpets, cracks and crevices, window furnishings, mattresses and upholstered furniture prior to our treatment and then leave the area undisturbed (do not vacuum) for a period of 7 days after the treatment. After which time your home should then be thoroughly cleaned with animal bedding and sleeping areas given first priority.

  • When we attend we will conduct an intensive inspection of the affected to determine the intensity and the spread of the Carpet Beetle infestation, after which time will proceed with a suitable treatment that is to suited your specific needs. It is essential that potential sources of reinfestation are not overlooked during the inspection and treatment phase. This is where the individual experience of the pest controller is vital. A careful and targeted application of insecticides to every possible hiding place is essential. We have technicians that solely specialize in the thorough detection of all harbourage areas and the eradication and control of Carpet Beetles. Success can only be achieved through experience and our technicians deal with Carpet Beetles on a day to day basis.
  • We can propose a range of chemical treatment and environmental control options, all dependent upon the scope of your individual level of chemical tolerance and personal expectation. Also, based upon what the severity of the infestation will allow, this may include one of or a combination of the following:
    • Surface spraying
    • Space spraying
    • Dusting
  • Due to their remarkably quick breeding habits, it is important to identify a Carpet Beetle problem before it gets out of control.
  • We offer reliable, cost effective service that complies with all legislative requirements.
  • We guarantee to be in touch with you within 24 hours (Monday to Friday) to arrange an appointment at a time that suits you.
  • Dealing specifically with Carpet Beetles on a day to day basis gives us a unique insight into the intricate characteristics of this destructive little pest.
  • All our treatments are 100% completely safe for use around children and pets and are the most environmentally friendly methods around.
  • Always safety first – in keeping with all our pest treatments we always promote the judicial use professional strength industry approved insecticidal dusts and aerosol spray applications hitting the Carpet Beetles daytime hiding locations.
  • A clean up prior to insecticide application can be most beneficial and will help to facilitate our inspection/analysis prior to the treatment and will help us to determine the extent of the problem.

Pest Signs... What to look for...

Adult carpet beetles may be seen flying towards lights or crawling over surfaces, but the most likely sign of their presence is by the discovery of their damage. Carpet Beetle larvae will chew holes in undisturbed items leaving behind their shed skins. Heavily infested items can be riddled with irregular patterned holes or the complete disappearance of sections carpet pile.

Carpet beetles do not bite but their Larvae can cause an allergic reaction to appear on the skin of humans that resembles the bite of a bed bug.

Carpet Beetle DamageCarpet Beetle Irritation

Variegated Carpet Beetle

Anthrenus verbasci

Variegated Carpet Beetle AdultVariegated Carpet Beetle Larvae

Adult Variegated Carpet Beetles grow to about 2-3 mm length but are actually longer in the body (4 – 5 mm) at the larval stage. They have a blotchy yellow, white and black oval shaped body and have a lifecycle of about 10 - 12 months.

The larvae of the Beetle damages all types of organic materials such as carpets, woollens, fur and leathers, but they will also attack stored products such as cereals, grains and meat products.

Black Carpet Beetle

Attogenus unicolar

Black Carpet Beetle AdultBlack Carpet Beetle Adult

Black carpet beetles are relatively widespread and destructive. The adults grow to about 3 – 5 mm long, and are a serious household pest. The larvae grow to 7 mm in length, are reddish brown in colour and covered with hairy bristles. The larvae have voracious appetites and feed on natural fibres, destroying carpets, felt, furniture and clothing. The larval stage is the longest and most destructive faze in their development. They can remain as larvae for years, although it does not typically take longer than 3 months to complete this stage if food sources and environmental conditions are favourable.

Adult Black carpet beetles are shiny black to deep dark brown and have brownish legs. Their lifecycle is usually completed within 6 - 12 months, but as previously mentioned, development can be delayed to match the prevailing environmental conditions.

Australian Carpet Beetle

Anthrenocerus australis

Australian Carpet Beetle AdultAustralian Carpet Beetle Larvae

The Australian Carpet Beetle is approx. 2 - 3 mm long, lives in urban areas, forests and woodlands but frequently invades and infests our homes. The adult beetles have a dark oval shaped body with lighter markings and live mostly outdoors eating flowers, however These beetles are a significant pest in museums as they attack dried animal skins.  Again it is the larvae of this beetle that is a major textile pest feeding on carpet and other similar fabrics. It is native to Australia, New Guinea, and New Zealand, and is now present in Europe as an introduced species. This beetle is also a pest of wool and wool products as well as dried dairy and meat products containing casein proteins.

This beetle undergoes a complete metamorphosis, of which there are four life stages: Egg, larvae, pupae and adult. Each stage looks different and requires a different amount of time to reach the next development phase.

The larvae of the Australian Carpet Beetle are small, hairy, reddish brown grubs that are covered with bristles whose hairs break off when handled and can cause allergic reactions in some people.

In New Zealand, the Australian Carpet Beetle has developed a significant resistance to most common insecticides.

Furniture Carpet Beetle

Anthrenus flavipes

Furniture Carpet Beetle AdultFurniture Carpet Beetle Adult

The Furniture Carpet beetle is a destructive urban pest preferring warmer climates and is drawn to heated buildings. They are approximately 2 - 4 mm long and are black with a yellow and white mottling of scales on their backs, and thick yellow scales on their legs.

Once again the larval stage of the Furniture Carpet beetle is responsible for causing the most amount of damage. The larvae measure approx. 5 mm long are oval shaped, and covered with brown hair. One way to distinguish the furniture carpet beetle larvae from the common carpet beetle is to look for the presence of a long pencil of hairs at the end of the body that continually vibrates, this is indicative of the furniture carpet beetle.

The Furniture Carpet beetle is capable of significant damage if infestations are left untreated. It will destroy items such as upholstered furniture by devouring both the padding and the coverings. The furniture carpet beetle consumes any suitable food source rendering products unusable or aesthetically unappealing. Other food sources include carpet, fur, horns and silk, however cotton, linen, rayon, and jute may also be attacked when stained with your pet's body oils, fur or hair.

First aid information:

Important: The following information is provided as a guide only and should not in any way be relied upon or used as a substitute for professional medical advice. If you are in any doubt in regards to a physical reaction you are experiencing as the result of a pest related encounter please consult a doctor or medical professional immediately. The adult Carpet Beetle does not bite at all but causes an red itchy welt, (similar looking to the bite of a bed bug), due to an allergic reaction from the prickly little hairs on the carpet beetle larvae.

If you experience any of the following symptoms:

  • difficulty breathing
  • wheezing
  • vomiting
  • nausea or diarrhoea
  • feeling faint or dizzy
  • swollen face or mouth
  • problems swallowing
  • asthmatic or any other type of allergic reaction

Then seek medical attention immediately.

Prevention tips

Here's a list of things you can do to assist us in controlling a carpet beetle explosion in your home:

  • Vacuum regularly.
  • Carefully inspect carpets and flooring for signs of larvae or beetles.
  • When you vacuum up any larvae or eggs, thoroughly empty the cleaner well away from the house as the fleas will try to hitch-hike straight back in.

Seek professional help immediately!

Contact Us for a detailed inspection and treatment. Our technicians are highly skilled and experienced professionals who are Department of health certified. We are fully licensed and fully insured and our technicians are the best in the industry.

Commercial  Information

We have an unbeaten, proven track record in commercial Carpet Beetle control. We provide our customers with the peace of mind that comes with dependable year-round guaranteed protection backed by up by a no-questions asked, results based service. If you require an immediate response to a current pest problem or perhaps you're simply reassessing an existing strategy. Call us, we're here to help you.

'A One size fits all' approach does not apply in pest control…

Based on a comprehensive assessment of your premises and factoring in its unique environmental conditions, we can develop a customised protection plan that suits your individual requirements.

Prevention of any pest problem is the ideal and achievable goal. Our technicians can implement immediate, targeted control programs, in key harbourage areas, and advise you on proactive physical exclusion techniques. We also provide guidance and monitoring strategies that focus on non-chemical environmental control methods that enable us to achieve these goals.

The identification of pest 'hot spots' through regular detailed monitoring is an integral part of any proactive eradication strategy.

Simply call 03 8840 9572 to speak with us directly or fill in the Contact Us form and we'll respond to your enquiry in a timely fashion.

The treatment plan begins with a thorough inspection of the property establishing the particular species of carpet beetle causing the problem and the location of their breeding and harbourage areas. Our highly trained pest management technicians can then prepare a carpet beetle treatment plan that will eradicate the current infestation as well as providing recommendations and practical measures for the long term control of this annoying pest insect.

Stringent health and safety regulations apply to the control and management of pest's in business and commercial situations. Maintaining that control relies on regular monitoring, targeted strategies and effective communication between all stakeholders across the entire pest control process.

Nothing impacts on your reputation quite like an un-controlled pest infestation. No matter what industry you're in we have a pest control solution for you. The exposure of your customers and staff to unhealthy and potentially dangerous pest situations can seriously compromise your business – and ultimately impact your bottom line. Your hard earned and well-deserved reputation is everything and complacency can result in an outbreak that will tarnish the reputation of even the most trusted establishment.

Pests problems result in the following problems:

  • Production interruptions and costly delays
  • The spread of illness and disease
  • Contamination and loss of stock
  • Breach of health regulations
  • Destruction of materials and inventory
  • Damage to amenities
  • Decreased employee productivity and increased absenteeism
  • Negative customer experience

The treatment of carpet beetle is an integrated effort that involves habitat and source eradication coupled with the use of chemical control products as needed. This may include the application of insecticides to the vegetation sites that adult Carpet Beetles use for harbourage and breeding purposes or introducing insect growth regulators to help prevent development.

Carpet Beetle population control is dependent upon the availability of breeding habitats and the particular target species, as well as many other factors. Should you experience Carpet Beetles in your working environment, contact us to discuss the options.

Supermarket insect repellents can be effective at temporarily keeping a small amount of Carpet Beetles at bay however studies have found that Carpet Beetles can ignore repellents over time as a result of repeated exposure. Supermarket repellents also begin to lose their effectiveness soon after being applied, which requires them to be constantly reapplied in order to maintain even the slightest level of protection.

The only practical and effective way to control Carpet Beetle populations, is with the targeted application of quality commercial pesticides used in conjunction with an effective environmental control program. And this is what we provide!

  • We hold public liability insurance of $20 million and professional indemnity insurance of $500,000 for your piece of mind. An insurance certificate is available on request.
  • Possum catchers are fully compliant with all the necessary statutory and mandatory requirements relating to the Wildlife Act 1975 and all our staff are fully trained in all aspects of the Occupational health and safety act's systems and controls.
  • We are licenced Type 1 Commercial Wildlife Controllers and have nationally recognised qualifications in Cert III Asset Maintenance as well as full accreditation in all pest management systems Cert IV General pest & Termite Management.
  • We also hold the following Industry Accreditations: EWP Operator licence – (Yellow Card - scissor and boom lift), Victorian Construction Induction - White Card, Working at Heights licenced, current accreditation Working with Children.