Unit - 3, 6-8 Hans Crescent SW1X 0LJ London

Carpet Beetle Control

48 hours response across London — from £159

Carpet Beetles

Varied carpet beetles and furniture carpet beetles damage natural fiber furnishings and clothing.

48 hoursResponse
91%Success rate
£159From
mediumRisk level
Identification

How to identify carpet beetles

Carpet Beetles close up
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.

Lifecycle

The carpet beetle lifecycle

1

Egg

10–20 days

Laid in dust, lint and old nests

2

Larva

9 months to 2 years

The damaging stage; feeds on keratin

3

Pupa

2–3 weeks

Within the final larval skin

4

Adult

2–6 weeks

Feeds on pollen outdoors

Generations: One generation per yearLifespan: Larval stage dominates the life cycle
Symptoms

Signs of carpet beetles in your property

Small round holes in fabrics
Shed larval skins
Adult beetles near windows
Larvae in dark areas
Risks

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
Pest handling

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
Treatment

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.

When they are active: Adults active spring/summer, larvae year-round
Tips and tricks

Keeping carpet beetles out for good

1Regular vacuuming
2Proper storage of woolens
3Seal cracks and crevices
4Remove bird nests
Hotspots

Where we find them

CarpetsWardrobesMuseumsAttics
Good to know

Carpet Beetles facts

Larvae cause all the damage
Can feed on dead insects
Attracted to natural light
Complete development takes 1-3 years
Local

Carpet Beetle Control near you

We treat carpet beetles across central London. Pick your area for local response times and pricing.

Questions

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.