lding.
- diatomaceous earth and silica aerogel: These substances, known as desiccants, cause insects to lose moisture and, in small quantities, they are relatively harmless to humans.
- Sanitation is the best way to avoid carpet beetle infestations. Practice thorough and frequent vacuuming and sweeping of carpets, rugs, draperies, closets, drawers, upholstery, air ducts, corners, baseboards, and other places where lint and hair accumulate.
- Wash your clothes to remove adults, larvae, eggs or pupae. Be sure to throw away badly infested pieces.
- Remove dead insects and rodents. Carpet beetles feed on animal waste, including their excreta and carcasses, so be sure to inspect for dead insects, especially around windowsills, and control any rodent population in your home. Avoid poison baits, as dying mice may be found more quickly by the beetles than by you.
- Thoroughly inspect second-hand items before bringing them into your house and immediately launder them, as carpet beetles often hitchhike into homes on clothing, rugs, quilts, and other items of animal origin.
- Tightly seal windows and other openings, especially near flowers and shrubbery, where adults are likely to be found.
In summary, carpet beetles are a common source of damaged household items, and measures should be taken to prevent infestation.