Carpet beetles vary in colour from brown to black mottle with yellow or white scales on the dorsal surface. Adult carpet beetles live outdoors on pollen and nectar and can also be found on walls and windows.
Females produce cream coloured eggs that hatch in 2-4 weeks into larvae which are 4-5 mm pale and hairy and known as ‘Woolly Bears’.
Carpet beetles thrive in situations where they are undisturbed e.g. under carpets, around skirting boards and in wardrobes.
Carpet beetles do not carry disease or bite, but the larval forms can cause damage to products such as wool, fur, leather and silk by leaving clean, irregular holes and in textiles these generally occur around the seams.
Infestations normally occur around wool-based furnishings or debris that can accumulate around floor boards.
Treatment
The treatment involves the property being sprayed or dusted with a broad-spectrum residual insecticide.
What to do before treatment
- Clear the floor as much as possible
- Vacuum up before we visit and empty the vacuum cleaner outside and place the contents in a bin-bag, seal and put outside (preferably in a bin).
- Tenants can remain in the house but cannot touch treated areas until dry, so pets and children must be kept out of contact with wet treated areas.
You must not vacuum for 2 weeks afterwards.
For information on the cost of treatment, please use the link on the right to access the Fees and Charges page
If you wish to book a treatment please telephone 01480 388319
Please note that we only operate within the boundaries of Huntingdonshire District Council. Please see the link on the right to view our boundaries.