How to Get Rid of Carpet Beetles: Complete Guide for Homeowners

Last updated: March 5, 2026

By James — 25-year pest control industry veteran

Carpet beetles are one of the most common household pests in the United States, and their larvae can cause significant damage to clothing, rugs, and upholstery made from natural fibers. Despite their name, carpet beetles do not only eat carpets. They feed on wool, silk, leather, fur, pet hair, dead insects, and even lint buildup in air ducts. Getting rid of carpet beetles requires finding the source, eliminating the food supply, and preventing reinfestation.

Identifying Carpet Beetles

There are three common species of carpet beetles found in homes:

• Varied carpet beetle. The most common species. Adults are small (1/8 inch), round, and have a mottled pattern of brown, white, and yellow scales. They are often found on windowsills because adults are attracted to light.
• Black carpet beetle. Slightly larger than varied carpet beetles and solid dark brown or black. Larvae are longer and more carrot-shaped.
• Furniture carpet beetle. Similar to the varied carpet beetle but with more distinct color patterns. Often found in upholstered furniture.

The larvae cause all the damage, not the adults. Carpet beetle larvae are small, fuzzy, caterpillar-like worms with bristly hairs. They are typically brown or tan and shed their skins as they grow, leaving behind cast skins that are often the first sign of an infestation.

Carpet Beetles vs. Bed Bugs

Carpet beetles and bed bugs are frequently confused, but they are very different pests requiring different treatments:

If you are finding bites on your skin, carpet beetles may cause minor skin irritation from their bristly hairs but they do not bite. Actual bite marks point to bed bugs, fleas, or another pest. See our signs of bed bugs guide to rule out a bed bug problem.

Signs of a Carpet Beetle Infestation

• Irregular holes in wool sweaters, blankets, or other natural-fiber clothing
• Shed larval skins (small, light brown, bristly husks) in closets or along baseboards
• Seeing small, fuzzy larvae in carpet edges, under furniture, or in closets
• Adult beetles on windowsills (they are attracted to light)
• Damage to taxidermy, felt, or dried flower arrangements
• Thinning patches in wool rugs, especially under furniture

What Carpet Beetles Actually Eat

Despite their name, carpet beetles eat far more than carpets. Their larvae feed on any material containing keratin, a protein found in animal-based fibers:

• Wool clothing, sweaters, suits, and blankets
• Silk garments and ties
• Leather goods (jackets, belts, shoes)
• Fur and feathers
• Pet hair and lint buildup
• Dead insects (a common hidden food source)
• Taxidermy and mounted specimens
• Dried flowers and potpourri

They do not eat synthetic fabrics like polyester or nylon. However, they may damage blended fabrics by eating the natural fibers and leaving the synthetic threads behind.

Finding the Source

The most important step in eliminating carpet beetles is finding the source of the infestation. Common locations include:

• Closets. Check stored wool clothing, especially items that have not been worn recently. Look in corners and along shelves.
• Under furniture. Carpet beetles thrive in undisturbed areas where pet hair and lint accumulate. Check under couches, beds, and dressers.
• Air ducts and vents. Lint, pet hair, and dead insects accumulate in HVAC ducts, creating an ideal food source. This is one of the most commonly overlooked sources.
• Attics and basements. Stored boxes of old clothing, blankets, and seasonal items are prime targets.
• Bird or wasp nests. Abandoned nests near the home (in eaves, vents, or chimneys) are a major carpet beetle breeding ground. Beetles feed on the keratin in feathers and dead insects within the nest.

DIY Removal Methods

Thorough vacuuming

Vacuuming is the single most effective DIY method for carpet beetles. Focus on carpet edges along baseboards, under furniture, inside closets, and around any areas where lint or pet hair accumulates. Use a crevice attachment to get into tight spaces. Dispose of the vacuum bag or empty the canister into an outdoor trash bin immediately after vacuuming.

Laundering and heat treatment

Wash all affected clothing and fabrics in hot water (at least 120°F) and dry on high heat. Items that cannot be washed can be placed in a chest freezer at 0°F for at least 72 hours to kill larvae and eggs. Dry cleaning also kills carpet beetle larvae.

Steam cleaning

A steam cleaner can kill carpet beetle larvae and eggs on contact in carpets and upholstery. The high heat (200°F+) is lethal to all life stages. Focus on carpet edges, under furniture, and along baseboards.

Diatomaceous earth

Food-grade diatomaceous earth can be applied along carpet edges, in closets, and in crevices. It works by damaging the waxy coating on the larvae, causing them to dehydrate. Leave it in place for several days before vacuuming. Always use food-grade, not pool-grade diatomaceous earth.

Cedar and moth repellents

Cedar blocks and cedar oil can help repel carpet beetles from closets and storage areas, but they will not eliminate an active infestation. They work best as a preventive measure after the infestation has been resolved.

When to Call a Professional

Most small carpet beetle infestations can be handled with thorough DIY cleaning. Call a professional exterminator if:

• The infestation is widespread across multiple rooms
• You cannot find the source after thorough inspection
• Valuable items (wool rugs, fur coats, antique textiles) are at risk
• The source is in air ducts or wall voids where DIY treatment cannot reach
• Larvae keep returning after DIY treatment

Professional carpet beetle treatment typically costs $100 to $300 and includes targeted application of residual insecticides to infested areas. For pricing details, see our pest control cost guide. If you are not sure whether you need professional help, see our guide on when to call an exterminator.

Preventing Carpet Beetles

• Vacuum regularly, especially along carpet edges, under furniture, and in closets
• Store off-season wool and silk clothing in airtight plastic bins or garment bags
• Clean clothes before storing them (carpet beetles are attracted to perspiration and food stains)
• Remove bird and wasp nests from eaves, vents, and chimneys
• Have air ducts cleaned if you suspect lint and hair buildup
• Use cedar blocks or lavender sachets in closets as a deterrent
• Check secondhand clothing and furniture before bringing them inside

Carpet beetles share some characteristics with silverfish, another fabric-damaging pest. If you are seeing damage to paper goods and books in addition to fabrics, you may have a silverfish problem as well.

Frequently Asked Questions