Carpet beetles in Arizona might be tiny, but they can certainly do some damage. Known for their vibrant, patterned exoskeletons, these little insects are surprisingly resilient and resourceful. They’re great at sneaking into your home and causing loads of destruction right under your nose. With that said, it’s super helpful to know how to recognize them and how to prevent them from becoming an issue in the first place. If you need pest control in the Phoenix area, we can help you. From our offices in Gilbert and Phoenix, we serve the entire metro area including Tempe, Mesa, Queen Creek, and Peoria. Contact us to get your free quote!

What Do They Look Like? 

Carpet beetles are small, oval-shaped insects with unique patterns on the top of their bodies, often a mix of black, white, brown, and yellow. They’re tiny, typically just an eighth of an inch, so spotting them can be tricky. Their colorful patterns give them a speckled appearance, which is why they blend in with fabrics and upholstery so well. However, one common species in Arizona is completely black.

Carpet Beetle Larvae 

The larvae of carpet beetles actually look completely different from the adult beetles. They’re a bit longer and covered in bristly, hair-like structures. This tends to give them a fuzzy, almost caterpillar-like appearance. They’re usually camouflaged with carpet and furniture tones of light brown to dark tan. 

Carpet Beetle Life Cycle 

The lifecycle of a carpet beetle is pretty interesting and goes through four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Female carpet beetles lay their eggs in areas where food is abundant—usually in dark, quiet places with plenty of natural fibers. They will also attack stored food. These eggs hatch into larvae, which is the stage where they’re the most destructive. 

As larvae, they’ll munch on fabrics or other many other items for several weeks or even months. This phase can last anywhere from two months to over a year, depending on the environment. Once they’re ready, the larvae pupate, transforming into adults during a short, inactive pupal stage. 

Finally, adult carpet beetles emerge and start the cycle again, typically living a few weeks while searching for mates and laying eggs. 

What Do They Eat?

These tiny pests aren’t really very picky when it comes to food, especially in their larval stage. They have a strong preference for natural fibers, which is why they’re notorious for damaging fabrics. They’re also drawn to other items like dry pet food, pantry items, feathers, pet hair, and dead insects. This explains why they’re commonly found in places like closets, attics, and behind furniture. 

Adult carpet beetles, on the other hand, don’t typically feed on these items. Instead, they prefer pollen and nectar, so you might spot them around windows as they try to make their way outside. They are also strongly attracted to lights which can bring them inside when doors or windows are left open at night.

Are They Dangerous? 

No, carpet beetles aren’t directly dangerous to humans—they don’t bite, sting, or spread disease. However, just having them around can still be annoying and unsettling. Some people can have allergic reactions to the tiny bristles on the larvae, which can cause mild skin irritation if they come into contact with it. 

Problems They Cause 

As mentioned earlier, larvae feed on natural fibers, creating small holes in clothes, furs, upholstery, and rugs. Over time, this damage might become quite severe, especially if they’re feeding undetected. 

They’re also known to damage items like blankets, coats, and stuffed furniture by chewing through the fibers. This can leave clothes looking worn and fabrics weakened. Keep an eye on your pets’ beds as well as they can be another common target. 

How To Get Rid of Them 

Getting rid of carpet beetles requires a mix of cleaning and preventive measures to target both adults and larvae. Here are steps to help get rid of carpet beetles: 

• Vacuum thoroughly: Focus on areas where larvae hide, like carpets, furniture, and baseboards. 
• Wash infested fabrics: Use hot water to wash blankets, clothes, and other items that might contain eggs or larvae. 
• Dry clean delicate items: For fabrics that can’t be machine-washed, dry cleaning is an effective alternative. 
• Steam clean carpets and upholstery: This can help kill both larvae and eggs embedded in fibers.
• Use insecticides: Apply targeted insecticides on fabrics or infested areas, following product instructions carefully. 
• Seal up food sources: Store clothes, fabrics, pet food, and pantry items in airtight containers or bags to prevent reinfestation. 
• Reduce indoor plants: Adult carpet beetles are attracted to flowers, so cutting back on house plants can help keep them out. 
• Inspect regularly: Frequent checks in storage areas or closets can catch an infestation early. 
• Check purchased items for signs of infestation. Often beetles are brought into the home through infested food, clothing, or other items. Inspect suspect items and discard anything with signs of beetles or larvae.
• Call in the professionals: If you’ve tried to get rid of carpet beetles on your own with no success, it may be time to contact your local pest control company. 

The Guide to Carpet Beetles in Arizona Conclusion 

Even though carpet beetles might be small, they can be a real hassle if they go unnoticed for too long. With some targeted cleaning and a bit of prevention, you can keep them from turning your favorite fabrics into a snack. If carpet beetles or any other Arizona pests are causing you trouble, Blue Sky Pest Control can step in with a custom plan to get your home back to pest-free comfort.