Carpet Beetles and Carpet Moths: Signs, Damage and How to Get Rid of Them

Carpet beetles and carpet moths are two of the most destructive pests a Melbourne home can have, because the damage is usually well underway before anyone notices it. The grubs, not the adults, eat wool carpets, rugs and clothing, and they do it in dark, undisturbed places like carpet edges and under furniture.

How do I know if I have carpet beetles?

The clearest sign is small, irregular holes in wool carpet, starting at the edges, in corners and under furniture where nobody vacuums often. You may also find tiny hairy grubs, or their shed skins, which are often easier to spot than the grubs themselves.

• Holes or bald patches at carpet edges and in corners
• Damage under beds, couches and heavy furniture
• Small brown hairy grubs, or their shed skins, along skirting boards
• Holes in woollen clothing, blankets and rugs stored in wardrobes
• Small round beetles on windowsills in spring and summer

Is it the beetle or the larvae that does the damage?

The larvae. The Australian Museum notes that it is the larvae that damage furniture, clothing, blankets, furs and carpets, and that they hide in dark, undisturbed areas while they feed.

That is why spraying the adult beetles you see on a window does almost nothing. The damage is happening out of sight, at the edges of the carpet and underneath furniture.

When are carpet beetles worst in Melbourne?

Spring and early summer, which is when the larvae hatch from their eggs. That makes right now the time damage starts showing up in homes that had a few adult beetles over winter.

Homes with a lot of wool carpet, rugs or stored woollens, and rooms that are rarely used, are the most at risk.

Are carpet beetles harmful to people?

They do not bite, but the grubs can cause skin irritation. The Australian Museum notes the larvae are small hairy grubs whose hairs break off when handled and can cause allergic reactions in some people.

The bigger cost is usually the carpet itself. Wool carpet through a large home is expensive to replace.

What can I do myself?

Vacuum thoroughly and often, paying special attention to the places the grubs prefer. The Australian Museum recommends particular attention to carpet edges and areas covered by furniture.

• Move furniture and vacuum underneath it, not just around it
• Empty the vacuum outside straight away
• Wash or dry-clean woollens before storing them, and store them sealed
• Check rarely used rooms and wardrobes every few weeks in spring

When do I need professional treatment?

When the damage has spread across several rooms, or keeps coming back despite regular vacuuming. By then the grubs are established in places vacuuming cannot reach.

Larger infestations usually need two visits, as the Wheelers Hill job did: the first treats the active grubs, the second catches the next generation before it can rebuild. We will tell you upfront if your home needs that, with the price in writing before we book.

4S Pest Control holds Victorian licence L013000 and treats carpet beetles and carpet moths across Melbourne, including Glen Waverley and Wheelers Hill. See our general pest control or call 0412 412 139 for a free quote.