This article outlines how to identify carpet beetles (Dermestidae), where they are commonly found in the UK, how to prevent infestations, and how to effectively get rid of them in homes, flats, and commercial buildings.
In the UK, carpet beetles are also referred to as furniture beetles, wool beetles, and museum beetles, depending on the species and context.
How can you identify carpet beetles?
Carpet beetles are small, oval insects measuring around 2–5 mm in length. Adults are often mottled in colour, with combinations of black, white, brown, or yellow depending on the species. The most common types in the UK include the varied carpet beetle (Anthrenus verbasci), the black carpet beetle (Attagenus unicolor), and the furniture carpet beetle (Anthrenus flavipes).
Adult carpet beetles have a dome-shaped body and short, clubbed antennae. Their larvae, commonly called “woolly bears”, are elongated, brownish, and covered in bristle-like hairs. These larvae, not the adults, are responsible for damaging natural fibres in homes.
Where are carpet beetles found in the UK?
Carpet beetles are widespread across the UK and are common in both urban and rural environments. They are most often found in domestic settings but can also infest museums, storage areas, and historical buildings.
Typical places where carpet beetles are found include:
-
Under carpets, along skirting boards and in floor cracks
-
Inside wardrobes, drawers, and clothing storage boxes
-
In lofts, attics, and unused rooms
-
In upholstered furniture, especially where animal-based stuffing is used
-
Behind radiators and under furniture
-
Near windows, where adults are drawn to natural light
Carpet beetles are active all year indoors, with increased activity in spring and summer when adult beetles emerge and seek out places to lay eggs.
Where do carpet beetles live and reproduce?
Carpet beetles prefer dark, undisturbed areas close to a food source. Adults typically lay their eggs on or near materials rich in natural fibres or animal-based proteins. Once hatched, the larvae begin feeding immediately.
Common breeding areas include:
-
Wool rugs, fur coats, silk garments, and feather cushions
-
Stored textiles, bedding, and blankets made of natural fibres
-
Bird or rodent nests in lofts and wall cavities
-
Airing cupboards, loft insulation, and under floorboards
-
Behind skirting boards where dust and organic debris accumulate
The larval stage can last from two months to over a year, depending on temperature and food availability, making them particularly persistent.
How can you tell if you have carpet beetles?
Signs of a carpet beetle infestation are often subtle until fabric damage becomes apparent.
Look for:
-
Irregular holes in woollen clothes, rugs, or blankets
-
Shed larval skins resembling tiny brown husks
-
Small, hairy larvae moving slowly along surfaces
-
Adult beetles crawling on windowsills or flying indoors
-
Bald patches on natural fibre upholstery or taxidermy specimens
Unlike moths, carpet beetles tend to feed in hidden areas, which makes early detection more difficult.
How can you prevent carpet beetles?
Preventing carpet beetles is largely a matter of cleanliness and limiting their access to suitable nesting sites.
Hoover regularly
Clean carpets, skirting boards, furniture and hard-to-reach areas thoroughly and often. Use nozzles to target edges, cracks, and behind radiators.
Store clothing correctly
Keep natural fibre garments in airtight plastic containers or garment bags. Use mothballs or cedar wood as a natural deterrent.
Eliminate sources of organic debris
Remove dead insects, feathers, and hair from inside air ducts, attics, and corners where dust gathers.
Inspect second-hand items
Carefully check vintage clothing, rugs, and furniture for signs of infestation before bringing them indoors.
Seal entry points
Install fly screens and seal cracks around windows, doors, and vents to prevent adult beetles from entering from outside.
Control humidity
Keep humidity low in storage areas to make conditions less favourable for larvae.
How can you get rid of carpet beetles?
Deep clean all infested areas
Vacuum carpets, furniture, curtains, and cracks thoroughly. Empty the vacuum cleaner or dispose of the bag immediately after use.
Wash or freeze affected items
Launder clothing, linens, and fabrics at high temperatures, or freeze infested items for 72 hours to kill larvae and eggs.
Use insecticides where needed
Apply residual insecticide sprays (containing permethrin or other approved active ingredients) to cracks, edges of carpets, under furniture, and skirting boards. Always follow safety instructions.
Remove infested materials
Badly affected items such as old cushions, blankets or upholstered furniture may need to be discarded if larvae are embedded deeply.
Set monitoring traps
Sticky traps can help detect adult beetles and determine whether infestation is ongoing.
Consider professional pest control
For persistent or widespread infestations, especially in commercial premises or older buildings, professional treatment may be required.
What is the life cycle of carpet beetles?
Carpet beetles go through a complete metamorphosis in four stages:
-
Eggs – Laid in dark, quiet areas near natural fibres or organic debris
-
Larvae – Feed on keratin-rich materials such as wool, feathers, leather or silk
-
Pupae – Develop in a sheltered area for one to two weeks
-
Adults – Emerge, mate, and seek out sources of pollen outdoors or suitable indoor sites for egg-laying
One to four generations may occur annually indoors, depending on environmental conditions.
Are carpet beetles harmful to humans or pets?
Carpet beetles do not bite or sting, but the larvae can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals due to their bristly hairs. Pets may ingest larvae when grooming themselves, which is usually harmless but could cause mild digestive upset in rare cases.
The real damage from carpet beetles is to property:
-
Destruction of wool clothing, blankets, and soft furnishings
-
Damage to taxidermy, feathered items, or antique textiles
-
Contamination of stored goods and collections in museums or archives
Acting early when signs are first noticed is essential to minimise long-term damage.
Where in the UK are carpet beetles most common?
Carpet beetles are widespread across the UK, particularly in:
-
Older homes with poor insulation or infrequent cleaning
-
Properties near parks, woodland or nesting birds
-
Urban areas where central heating keeps them active year-round
-
Historic houses, museums, and libraries with organic collections
They are well-adapted to the UK climate and modern indoor environments, making them one of the most persistent household pests. Effective cleaning routines and early intervention are key to keeping carpet beetles under control.