Learn how to identify carpet beetles, spot the signs, understand skin irritation, and explore treatment options.
Carpet beetles are a common but often misunderstood household pest in the UK. While adult beetles themselves are harmless, their larvae can cause significant damage to carpets, rugs, clothing, and other natural fibres.
Many infestations go unnoticed for long periods because the damage appears gradually and is often mistaken for general wear, clothes moth activity, or even bed bugs.
This page explains what carpet beetles are, how to identify them, the signs of an infestation, their impact on people, and how they differ from other household pests.
Carpet beetles belong to the Dermestidae family of insects. The species most commonly found in UK homes include:
Adult carpet beetles are small, oval-shaped insects typically measuring 2–4mm in length. They are often noticed near windows, as adults are attracted to light when trying to exit the property.
Although adult beetles do not cause damage, their presence usually indicates that larvae are feeding elsewhere in the home.
The damaging life stage of carpet beetles is the larval stage. Carpet beetle larvae are:
These larvae feed on materials containing natural fibres or animal-based proteins, including:
Larvae avoid light and are most commonly found along skirting boards, under furniture, inside wardrobes, beneath beds, or in storage areas.
Common indicators of carpet beetles include:
Unlike clothes moths, carpet beetle damage often appears scattered across multiple areas rather than concentrated in one location.
Although carpet beetles do not bite, their larvae can cause skin irritation in some people. This reaction is one of the most common reasons carpet beetle infestations are confused with bed bugs.
Carpet beetle larvae are covered in fine hairs known as setae. In sensitive individuals, contact with these hairs can trigger a mild allergic-type reaction.
This may cause:
Unlike bed bug bites, carpet beetle-related irritation:
Skin reactions are more likely when infestations are present in bedrooms, wardrobes, carpets, or upholstered furniture where frequent contact occurs. Addressing the infestation usually resolves irritation symptoms.
Carpet beetles are frequently mistaken for clothes moth infestations because both pests damage natural fibres.
Key differences include:
Correct identification is essential, as treatment methods for carpet beetles and moths differ.
Carpet beetles are also commonly confused with bed bugs, particularly when people notice insects in bedrooms or experience unexplained skin irritation.
The two pests behave very differently:
Carpet beetles:
Bed bugs:
Skin irritation caused by carpet beetle larvae is often mistaken for bed bug bites, which can lead to unnecessary or incorrect treatment.
Carpet beetles do not transmit disease and do not bite. However, larvae can cause:
Left untreated, infestations may spread and cause increasing damage over time.
Carpet beetles commonly enter properties via:
Once inside, larvae seek out dark, undisturbed areas where natural fibres are present.
Minor infestations may be reduced through thorough vacuuming and cleaning, but this rarely eliminates larvae hidden beneath carpets or furniture.
Professional carpet beetle treatment focuses on:
For full details on professional control options, see our carpet beetle treatment page.
FAQs
No. Carpet beetles do not bite. Skin irritation is caused by contact with larval hairs, not feeding.
Yes. In some people, exposure to larval hairs can cause itchy rashes or bumps that resemble insect bites.
No. They are attracted to natural fibres, not dirt, and can infest clean homes.
Yes. Larvae can spread via carpets, furniture, and stored items if left untreated.
No. Without addressing larvae and breeding areas, infestations often persist and worsen.
Carpet beetles are common household pests whose larvae damage carpets and natural fibres. While they do not bite, larval hairs can cause skin irritation in some people. Correct identification and targeted treatment prevent both property damage and discomfort.
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