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Household Insects · Pest guide

Carpet Beetles control

Tiny beetles whose larvae chew wool, fur and stored fabrics.

Start here: How to Get Rid of Carpet Beetles (2026 Guide) When to call a pro

Carpet Beetles at a glance

Scientific name
Anthrenus and Attagenus species
Size
1/16 to 1/8 inch (2–3 mm) adults
Appearance
Round, patterned adults; bristly, striped larvae
Where found
Carpet edges, closets, under furniture, stored wool and feathers
  • Health riskLow
  • Property damageModerate
  • Do it yourself?Usually DIY
When carpet beetles are active Peak: Apr–Jun
  1. Jan Low
  2. Feb Low
  3. Mar Active
  4. Apr Peak
  5. May Peak
  6. Jun Peak
  7. Jul Active
  8. Aug Active
  9. Sep Low (this month)
  10. Oct Low
  11. Nov Low
  12. Dec Low

Low Active Peak This month

Signs to look for

  • Hairy larvae and shed larval skins
  • Thin or bare patches in wool rugs
  • Small beetles on window sills in spring

Call a professional when

  • Damage to antique rugs, taxidermy or collections
  • Beetles return after thorough cleaning
How to choose a pest control company

Quick prevention

  • Vacuum edges, vents and under furniture
  • Store natural fibers clean and sealed
  • Remove old bird and wasp nests near windows

Carpet Beetles: removal guides

1 guide

Step-by-step plans to get rid of a pest, from DIY methods to professional treatment.

Varied carpet beetle larva, the fabric-destroying stage

Carpet Beetles · Removal

How to Get Rid of Carpet Beetles (2026 Guide)

· 5 min read

Keep carpet beetles out

  1. Vacuum edges, vents and under furniture
  2. Store natural fibers clean and sealed
  3. Remove old bird and wasp nests near windows

Often confused or found together

All household insects
Moths Pantry moths in the flour and clothes moths in the closet. Bed Bugs Hitchhikers that hide in mattress seams and bite at night. Hard to clear, but it can be done. Silverfish Moisture-loving insects that eat paper, glue and starch.
Photo credits

Thank you to Luis Fernández García, Arnoldius, Mvuijlst, Content Providers: CDC/ Harvard University, Dr. Gary Alpe and Syrio for sharing these beautiful photographs and helping bring this guide to life.

Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Public domain