People usually know to call a pest control service when they spot a rodent, termite, or cockroach. However, lesser-known insects, such as carpet beetles, can keep low profiles until they become serious problems. It’s hard to spot the tiny insects, which only grow to four millimeters in length, but there are other ways to recognize their presence.

How to Spot Evidence of Carpet Beetles

1. Debris

As carpet beetle larvae mature into adult bugs, they leave behind empty skin cases and piles of fecal matter. Look for dark material the size of a grain of sand accumulating in areas where the larvae have been feeding. For example, check the edges of rugs and in bins of stored clothing, as the larvae tend to cluster in the hems, folds, and cuffs of disused materials.

2. Adults Near the Building

If you spot carpet beetles on or around window sills, they’re likely trying to make their way outside to feed on flower pollen. While this might seem to indicate that pest control is no longer needed, adult beetles aren’t the destructive ones. Instead, it's the larvae that snack on organic materials, such as fabric, food, and even pet hair. Adults leave their offspring behind to feed on vulnerable items before making their way outside.

3. Damage

Like clothing moths, carpet beetles feed on linen, silk, felt, and leather. However, unlike moths, they also feed on lint, hair, dead insects, pet food, and other organic materials. Their damage is usually concentrated in low-traffic areas, such as inside closets, storage trunks, or attics. Given time, they'll consume entire sections of fabric, leaving behind tight clusters of holes. Early damage might also appear as thinning fibers or bald spots.

If you see signs of carpet beetles in your home, contact Acme Pest Control in Concord and Mooresville, NC. With over 70 years of experience, they understand the most effective ways to remove harmful pests. Let their team eliminate any infestations and restore your peace of mind. Call them at (704) 786-4166 to schedule an appointment with an exterminator today, and learn more about the vast variety of pest control services they offer on their website.