Carpet beetles are a common but often misunderstood household pest in Brisbane. They’re small, hard to notice early, and the damage is usually discovered before the insect itself.
How to identify carpet beetles
Carpet beetles are small, oval-shaped insects, usually 2–4 mm long, and can appear black, brown, or mottled with white and tan markings.
However, the larvae are responsible for the damage.
Signs if you have a carpet beetle infestation:
How Conquer treats carpet beetles
Effective carpet beetle control is about targeting breeding areas, not just visible insects.
Our treatment includes:
-
Accurate identification of carpet beetle activity
-
Targeted treatment to carpet areas and furniture bases with a dual actioned product
-
Ensure the treatment goes down to the base of the carpet by using a special carpet rake
-
Once dried, completely safe for human & pets
For best results, the carpeted area should be thoroughly vacuumed with a powerhead vacuum cleaner before we arrive.
What homeowners can do to help reduce carpet beetle activity
While professional treatment is key, a few steps can help support long-term control:
-
Thoroughly vacuum carpets with a power-headed cleaner.
- Move heavy furniture and vaccum under – these are normally the breeding grounds
-
Wash or dry-clean affected clothing where possible.
- Reduce clutter in wardrobes and under furniture
These steps help reduce ongoing activity, but do not replace professional treatment.
The four most common questions about carpet beetles
1. How do I know if I have carpet beetles in my home?
Most homeowners don’t see carpet beetles straight away. The first signs are usually damage, not the insect itself – small holes in clothing, rugs, carpet edges, or stored fabrics.
2. Are carpet beetles damaging my clothes, carpets, or furniture?
Yes. Carpet beetle larvae feed on natural fibres such as wool, silk, cotton, leather, fur, and feathers. Stored clothing, carpets, rugs, and upholstered furniture are common targets.
3. Why do carpet beetles keep coming back after cleaning or spraying?
Carpet beetles lay eggs in hidden, undisturbed areas. Vacuuming and household sprays rarely reach these breeding zones, allowing the life cycle to continue unnoticed.
4. How do you treat carpet beetles properly?
Effective treatment requires identification, targeted treatment of harbourage areas, and breaking the breeding cycle – not just killing adult beetles.