Most Nashville homeowners probably don’t think about carpet beetle infestation when they think about pest threats to their homes. However, while Tennessee carpet beetles might not be the worst thing we have to worry about, they’re not a pest you can take lightly either. Far from being just a nuisance, carpet beetles can destroy your clothes, furnishings, and lots of other property. That’s why keeping them away needs to be part of your Nashville pest control plan.
What Does A Carpet Beetle Look Like?
There are several Tennessee carpet beetle species, including the varied carpet beetle, the black carpet beetle, and the furniture carpet beetle. All these beetles have different markings, but they have more things in common than not.
Adult carpet beetles are tiny (between 2 and 5 mm long), and they’re often mistaken for bed bugs. However, adult carpet beetles can fly while bed bugs can’t. Adults are also shaped more like ladybugs. They’re round and shiny rather than being flat like a bed bug.
Larvae are longer and narrower than adults – usually between 4 and 8 mm long. They’re also typically yellow, orange, or brown. You might mistake them for tiny caterpillars because they have little spiny hairs.
How To Tell If There Are Carpet Beetle Larvae In Your Home
Carpet beetles can be tricky to find. They look a whole lot like many other beetles and other invasive pests. That means it can be tough for you to tell carpet beetles from other pests. The best way to distinguish a carpet beetle infestation from some other kind of infestation is to leave it to the experts.
Here at All-American Pest Control, we’ve got the expert eyes to be able to distinguish carpet beetles from other pests right away. We can also help you get rid of carpet beetles – which is something you’re going to want to do considering the damage they cause!
Signs Of A Carpet Beetle Infestation
The signs of carpet beetles in your Nashville home can be subtle because these beetles don’t exactly work to make themselves visible. But once they start doing damage to your property, you’ll know you’ve got them!
Carpet beetle larvae feed on organic materials. That means they’ll eat anything primarily based on plant or animal materials. Fur, silk, wool, feathers, cotton, linen, and just about everything else is vulnerable to a carpet beetle infestation. It’s common for people to think the damage to their clothes, furniture, and other items is caused by moth larvae. However, if you see damage you think is moth damage and cannot find any adult moths in your home, there’s a good chance you have carpet beetles.
Tips And Tricks To Total Carpet Beetle Removal
Preventing carpet beetles isn’t always easy, but there are some things you can do:
- Keep windows screened and doors shut to keep adults from flying inside.
- Launder or dry clean clothes before storing them.
- Store clothes in airtight, sealed containers if you won’t be wearing them for a while.
If you want to get rid of carpet beetles, you will likely need professional help. Carpet beetles in your Nashville home are hard to treat once they’re inside because the larvae are tough to locate. Even if you find some eggs or larvae in one area, that doesn’t mean you’ve found them all. So if you want to kill off the entire infestation, you’ll need to call the best pest control in Nashville: All-American Pest Control! We can eliminate your carpet beetle problem and help you ensure it’s gone for good!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I have carpet beetles in my Nashville home?
Carpet beetles are sneaky. They can make their way in through windows, doors, or even on plants, flowers, and clothing. Once inside, they’re drawn to natural materials like wool, leather, and pet hair. If you’ve got cozy rugs, upholstered furniture, or stored clothing, you might be unintentionally rolling out the red carpet for them!
What kind of damage do carpet beetles cause?
While the adult beetles are just a nuisance, their larvae are the real culprits. They feed on natural fibers, which means they can chew holes in carpets, clothes, blankets, and even taxidermy (if you have any of that lying around!). If you're finding random damage to fabrics or bald spots on rugs, carpet beetles could be the cause.
How do I get rid of carpet beetles in Nashville?
Getting rid of them involves a mix of cleaning and pest control from the pest experts at All-American. Frequent vacuuming, especially in corners, closets, and under furniture, helps remove larvae and eggs. Washing fabrics and storing clothes in sealed containers also makes a big difference. And if you’re seeing them regularly, calling in a pro (like us!) can help make sure you’re not missing a hidden infestation.
Your Trusted Nashville, TN Pest Control Experts in Nashville, TN & Nearby Neighborhoods
Since 1961, All-American Pest Control has been your go-to team of trusted pest experts for homes, businesses, and home builders throughout Nashville and Middle Tennessee. Our expert team offers termite treatments, mosquito reduction, rodent removal, ant and spider control, and wasp nest removal—keeping your property protected year-round. As a local, family-owned company, we take pride in offering reliable, professional pest solutions with outstanding customer service.
We proudly serve: Antioch, Oak Hill, Belle Meade, Berry Hill, Nashville, Old Hickory, Joelton, Madison, Green Hills Estates, Haynes, Kemper Heights, Metro Center, Northwest Nashville, Rivergate, Talbot's Corner, Bakers, Bellshire Estates, Blair Heights, Bordeaux, Cane Ridge, Germantown, and the entire Davidson County and Greater Nashville areas.
For trusted pest control in Nashville, TN, and these surrounding communities, contact All American Pest Control today! Call (615) 824-8814 or schedule online!