Cover Photo By: Tony (License)
If you wake up in the morning covered in itching blisters, you may be concerned about bedbug infestations. These microscopic parasites often cause unknown itchiness and bites. In addition, the black carpet beetle, a common domestic pest, can cause skin irritation.
Carpet beetles can be found in every region of the United States. They’re little and difficult to detect. Carpets, closets and drawers are a favorite place for them to hide out since they can feast on anything made of wool, cotton, and fur. Besides causing damage to home items, they can also infect humans and cause skin disorders. Do carpet beetles bite? What are they? To find out, read to learn more!
What Are Carpet Beetles?
In the United States, three distinct species of carpet beetle are frequently encountered. The most widespread is the black carpet beetle, which may be found across the country. Indoor and outdoor, they like to eat plants, textiles, and any other protein-rich food that can be found. The beetles go through four life stages:
Egg – Carpet beetles produce an average of 90 eggs each. Six to 16 days after laying, the eggs are ready to hatch.
Larva – Laying an egg produces a beetle larva. Approximately 5/16 of an inch long, they have a slender, long shape. Bristly hair covers their entire body. This stage of the beetle’s life cycle can last from six months to a year.
Pupa – Eventually, the larva transforms into a pupa, and it withdraws into a cocoon-like case to complete its maturation process. This period might last anywhere from eight to fourteen days.
Adults – Black carpet beetles grow to a length of about 1/8 of an inch as adults. Like all other kinds of beetles, it has wings and legs and can move about on all fours.
The beetles feed on natural fibers as larvae. They prefer places that are dark, quiet, and have a ready supply of food. Black carpet beetles are attracted to places in your home where you store materials. They eat a variety of foods, including the following:
- Wool
- Silk
- Leather
- Fur
- Pet hair
- Feathers
You know how moths can leave holes in clothing? Similarly, carpet beetles cause damage to the goods they eat. They can also cause damage to carpeting and furnishings.
Pollen from plants is the primary food source for adult beetles, who prefer to reside outside. In the spring, they begin to emerge. On window sills in your home, you may come upon these.
Do Carpet Beetles Bite?
If you notice damage to the fabric in our house, you might have carpet beetles. If you start to notice itchy welts on your skin, you may start to think you are being bitten by a bug. Contrarily, carpet beetles don’t bite. Just because they can cause skin irritation doesn’t necessarily mean that they are to responsible for your suffering.
In contrast to bedbugs and mosquitoes, carpet beetles do not eat live creatures. Because you are allergic to their body parts, they bother you. The bristles on carpet beetle larvae may make some people allergic. Their physical touch results in itchy, swollen, or uncomfortable rashes.
Some people may get allergic reactions from carpet beetle larvae. This sets them apart from bedbugs, which are typically regarded by the majority of the populace as allergic. There’s a chance that some members of your family will react poorly to carpet beetles in your house.
The best remedies for carpet beetle rashes include antihistamines and creams that reduce itching. Additionally, your doctor may also recommend medication.
Controlling Carpet Beetles in Your Home
As soon as they’re in your home, carpet beetles are extremely hard and time-consuming to remove from your property. Finding them is the most difficult aspect. You may not know where the infestation is because they hide in hard-to-see spots. Wherever you go, be on the lookout for any traces of the bugs.
- A carpet’s edging.
- Closets.
- In the clothing’s inner lining.
- In or behind a piece of furniture.
- Ventilators or ductwork are two terms that describe the same thing.
- Attics, basements, and other areas where birds or rodents have set up home.
Extreme heat can destroy bugs. High heat in a dryer or hot water can kill carpet beetles. Clothes that can’t be machine washed can be placed in the freezer for up to two weeks after being wrapped in plastic.
To keep out any lingering insects, place contaminated clothing in plastic after cleaning. In the future, before storing seasonal clothing, wash or dry clean it and put it in a plastic container.
Steam cleaning carpets and furniture can also kill carpet beetles. Traps made of glue can keep them from moving around your home. Vacuuming frequently reduces your home‘s risk of beetle infestation.
Beetles can be killed with the use of chemical insecticides. Flea-killing products can be useful. To get an expert perspective, you might call an exterminator.
