Carpet beetles can be a nightmare to deal with, mainly because they’re fast breeders and big eaters. They’re not particularly picky when it comes to choosing what they eat either. Anything with natural fibres like furniture, clothing, curtains and carpets are fair game for carpet beetles.
If you’re wondering how to get rid of carpet beetles naturally, you’re in luck. There are several things you can do to get rid of the nasty pests, and here are some of them:
Home Remedies
When dealing with a carpet beetle infestation, the first thing you should do is vacuum the entire affected area. Once done, go over it with a steam cleaner so that the heat and moisture can remove more beetles and their eggs. Grab all pillows and clothing that have been affected and throw them into the wash.
Make sure you’ve got your cycle on hot water and that you’re using an effective detergent. On the other hand, if you’re uncomfortable reusing the infested clothing and pillows, you can opt to keep them in plastic bags and throw them in a sealed garbage container. Make sure the plastic bag is closed tightly as well.
Finally, you’re going to have to go over the infected area once again and spray down all the surfaces with a mixture of water and white vinegar. If you don’t have this, you can go for apple cider vinegar instead. Spray all the surfaces thoroughly, including drawers, hangers, window sills and cupboards.
Boric Acid or Other Indoor Insecticides
If natural remedies aren’t working or you prefer a more robust solution, you can use boric acid to kill the beetles. Boric acid naturally occurs in the environment, and it’s commonly found in soil, water and plants. You can purchase it at your local hardware store or drugstore.
Another alternative you could use are indoor insecticides that are specifically designed to target carpet beetles. They’re commonly available as spray bottles at your local retailers. Indoor insecticides are safe to use around baseboards, under sinks and in crevices where the carpet beetles could be hiding. However, they’re not recommended for carpets, furniture or clothing.
If all else fails, you can always hire local pest control services. Sometimes, a carpet beetle infestation can be difficult to contain, especially if you lack the experience to do so. These pests are persistent and can spread pretty quickly. Contacting an exterminator could be your best bet at solving the issue effectively.
How to Prevent an Infestation
To prevent another infestation from happening, you can apply an outdoor insecticide specifically designed to target carpet beetles. Do this around two to three feet out from the house and entirely around the perimeter. Make sure you get potential entry points like windows, doorways, vents and utility pipes.
You can also remove and destroy bird or insect nests that are around your house. These nests are perfect for beetles to lay their eggs in, and if they’re too close, they can easily migrate into your home.
For extra protection inside your home, you can use plastic containers or bags for your clothing. You can also keep your drawers and closets open so that natural light can filter in. Carpet beetles hate sunlight, so they’ll avoid going into these spots.
Conclusion
A carpet beetle infestation can be difficult and stressful to deal with. They breed fast and eat almost anything made of natural fibres. If you’re dealing with an infestation and having a hard time containing it, contact your local pest control so they can handle the situation.
Arnies Pest Management offers expert Barnsley pest control. Reach out to us immediately if you’ve got a pest infestation that needs handling from professionals.
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