Carpet beetles feed on all sorts of animal substances from fur to bone. They’ll also consume grain, flour, or pet food among other things. It’s the carpet beetle’s larvae that really cause the damage to one’s home. They live and move under baseboards especially where there is mold. They live in air ducts, furniture and carpets as well. Take care not to leave doors and windows open especially in May and June when carpet beetles will fly – openings such as these are the primary way they enter your home. They can also be carried into the home on old furniture that has been in damp or moldy storage and on flowers.
Adult carpet beetles are black and shiny. They have brown legs and their bodies are shaped like an oval. Most are about an eighth of an inch in length and the overall size range is small.
When the weather turns warms you will see adult carpet beetles flying outdoors. When outside, carpet beetles will feed on the pollen of various different flowers including dogwood and daisies. The adults are attracted to light, especially at night. You will see carpet beetles flying to lampposts and any light emanating from your home.
Before executing treatment to prevent or exterminate carpet beetles one must first find the source of the infestation. A nail file will help you pry up baseboards without doing permanent damage. Larvae can be found in dark, damp protected places. Once found, the carpet beetles and larvae should be sucked up in a vacuum. Continuing to vacuum up lint and dust in such places will prevent the carpet beetles from returning and finding a good place to lay eggs. Simply put, keep the house clean.