Quick answer: To get rid of carpet beetles, deal with the larvae, not the adults. Find where they're coming from, often an old bird nest in the loft or eaves, then vacuum carpets, edges and under furniture thoroughly, and wash or freeze affected textiles. Keep doing it for several weeks. If larvae keep turning up, a professional treatment clears the hidden ones.
Carpet beetles are the most polite-looking pest in London. The adults are tiny, round and prettily patterned, like a ladybird that's dressed for a funeral. It's their hairy children you need to worry about.
What are carpet beetles?
Carpet beetles are small, round beetles about 3mm long. According to Fareham Borough Council's pest guide, the adults live outdoors on plants and feed on flowers. Their larvae, known as woolly bears, live indoors, avoid light and eat materials of animal origin like wool, which is how they damage fitted carpets and stored clothes.
So the adults are out smelling the roses while the kids are at home eating the carpet. Some families are like that.
| Adult carpet beetle | Larva (woolly bear) | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | About 3mm | Up to about 5mm |
| Look | Round, mottled brown, white and orange | Brown, hairy, stripy |
| Where | Windowsills, flowers, near light | Dark, undisturbed spots |
| Eats | Pollen and nectar | Wool, fur, feathers, carpets |
| Damage | None | Holes in carpets and clothes |
Signs of carpet beetles
- Small round beetles on windowsills, especially in spring, because the adults head for light
- Hairy brown larvae under furniture, along skirting boards or in wardrobes
- Shed larval skins that look like tiny empty hairy shells
- Irregular holes in wool carpets, rugs and clothes
Not sure if it's moths or beetles? Our clothes moths vs carpet beetles guide shows the difference.
How to get rid of carpet beetles, step by step
- Find the source. Check the loft and eaves for old bird nests, and the airing cupboard. Fareham Council notes larvae often start in loft insulation and spread down pipes into the cylinder cupboard.
- Vacuum everything. Carpets, edges, under furniture, inside wardrobes and along skirting boards, every few days for several weeks. Empty the vacuum outside in a sealed bag.
- Wash or freeze textiles. Hot-wash what the label allows. Freeze smaller items in sealed bags for a few days.
- Store wool and fur sealed. Use airtight bags or boxes for anything natural-fibre you're not wearing.
- Check new things coming in. Second-hand rugs and furniture are a common way in.
Killing the adults on the windowsill feels productive. It's mostly symbolic, like tidying the hallway when the kitchen is on fire.
When to call a professional
If larvae keep appearing after a few weeks of vacuuming, if several rooms have damage, or the source is in the loft insulation, a professional treatment is the next step. Ours is £180 for the first room and £60 for each extra room, with a free revisit if they come back within 60 days. See our carpet beetle treatment page for details.
Want it sorted?
Call or WhatsApp 020 7193 0475, or get a free quote online. Carpet beetle treatment is £180 for the first room and £60 for each extra room. You pay after the treatment, and there's no extra charge for evenings, weekends or bank holidays.
Need it dealt with?
See how our moth control in London works, check every price in full, or get a free quote and we will call you back within 15 minutes, day or night. If the pests come back within 60 days, we return free.
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