
Varied carpet beetles and furniture carpet beetles damage natural fiber furnishings and clothing.
How to identify carpet beetles

- Size
- Adults 2–4mm; larvae up to 5mm
- Colour
- Adults mottled brown, white and yellow; larvae golden-brown and bristly
- Active
- Adults active spring/summer, larvae year-round
- Larvae ('woolly bears') are covered in dense bristles
- Shed larval skins are the most common first sign
- Damage is sharp-edged holes, unlike moth grazing
- Adults are found on windowsills in spring
Commonly confused with: Damage is often blamed on clothes moths. Carpet beetle holes are cleaner-edged, and you will find bristly cast skins rather than silk.
The carpet beetle lifecycle
Egg
10–20 daysLaid in dust, lint and old nests
Larva
9 months to 2 yearsThe damaging stage; feeds on keratin
Pupa
2–3 weeksWithin the final larval skin
Adult
2–6 weeksFeeds on pollen outdoors
Signs of carpet beetles in your property
Health risks and property damage
Health risks
- Skin irritation from larvae hairs
- Allergic reactions (dermatitis)
- Respiratory irritation
Property damage
- Carpet and rug damage
- Clothing holes
- Upholstery destruction
- Museum specimen damage
What to do before we arrive
Do this
- Vacuum along carpet edges, under furniture and inside airing cupboards
- Check for old bird nests in the loft or blocked chimneys — a common source
- Launder or freeze affected natural-fibre items
- Keep cast skins to show the technician; they confirm the species
Avoid this
- Do not treat only where you saw the adult — larvae are usually elsewhere
- Do not overlook the loft; nests and dead birds sustain populations
- Do not store woollens unwashed; body oils attract egg-laying
- Do not rely on surface sprays alone in deep carpet pile
How we treat carpet beetles
Targeted insecticide application and source elimination
Every treatment includes a follow-up visit and a written prevention plan. Our success rate on carpet beetles is 91%, and we attend within 48 hours of your call.
Keeping carpet beetles out for good
Where we find them
Carpet Beetles facts
Carpet Beetle Control near you
We treat carpet beetles across central London. Pick your area for local response times and pricing.
Frequently asked questions
How quickly can you treat carpet beetles in London?
We aim to attend within 48 hours of your call anywhere in London, with a 24/7 line for urgent cases.
How much does carpet beetle treatment cost?
Carpet Beetles treatment starts from £159. The final price depends on the size of the property and the extent of the infestation, and we confirm it in writing after the survey — there is no call-out charge.
How do I know if I have carpet beetles?
The most reliable signs are: Small round holes in fabrics; Shed larval skins; Adult beetles near windows; Larvae in dark areas. If you are seeing any of these, book a survey rather than waiting — carpet beetles rarely resolve on their own.
How do you treat carpet beetles?
Targeted insecticide application and source elimination Our success rate on carpet beetles is 91%, and treatment includes a follow-up visit and a written prevention plan.
Are carpet beetles dangerous?
Carpet Beetles are rated medium risk. The main health concerns are skin irritation from larvae hairs, allergic reactions (dermatitis), respiratory irritation. They can also cause carpet and rug damage.
How can I stop carpet beetles coming back?
Regular vacuuming; Proper storage of woolens; Seal cracks and crevices. We include a prevention plan with every treatment and can arrange scheduled monitoring for properties that have had repeat problems.

