How to Tell If You Have a Fabric Beetle Infestation in Your Geelong Home
Fabric beetles (also called carpet beetles) are small, brown or black, destructive pests that feed on various natural fibres and materials. These pests are common in houses and businesses across Geelong and can cause significant damage to carpets, clothing, and stored fabrics. If you suspect a fabric beetle infestation, knowing the early signs can help you protect your clothing and home.
Fabric beetles are especially active during summer and lay their eggs in fabric and other materials. The larvae then feed on the fibres. This is why fabric beetles can cause extensive damage to clothing, carpets, and other fabrics, including blankets and delicate knitted goods.
The damage may not be apparent for a long time after an infestation. Since fabric beetles prefer dark, quiet places, infestations can go undetected for years if areas are not cleaned regularly. If this happens, a fabric beetle infestation can cause problems before you even notice it.
It is critical to monitor for visible signs of a fabric beetle infestation regularly. Identifying fabric beetle problems becomes much easier when you know what to look for and where to look.
4 Indicators of a Fabric Beetle Infestation
Here are some signs of infestation to watch out for:
Small Holes in Fabrics: Fabric beetles often cause small holes in fabrics. These holes are usually about the size of a pinhead.
Damage to Natural Fibres: Fabric beetles are especially attracted to natural fibres like wool, silk, and fur.
Shed Beetle Skins: Fabric beetles shed their skins as they grow. If you find small beetle skins in an area where fabrics are stored, it could be a sign of an infestation.
Small, Round Fecal Pellets: Fabric beetles also leave behind small, round fecal pellets. These pellets are usually dark in colour and can be found near areas where active fabric beetles are.
Signs of fabric beetle activity include seeing them in groups near window openings, air vents, behind or beneath furniture, wardrobes, closets, and corners.
Contact a reliable pest control company if you suspect a fabric beetle infestation. They will be able to identify the pest and develop a treatment plan to eliminate the infestation.
3 Major Effects of Fabric Beetle Infestation
Fabric beetle infestations are usually resolved by locating and eliminating the source. However, if the infestation is not eliminated, it can lead to various damages such as:
Damage to Your Clothes and Furniture: Fabric beetles are small insects that love fabric and can cause much damage. They eat away at the fabric, leaving it in a state of disrepair. This can cause holes and tears in the fabric.
Unpleasant Odours: Another common symptom of a fabric beetle infestation is the presence of unpleasant smells. The beetles excrete chemicals while feeding on fabric, which can cause a strong odour.
Loss in Fabric Durability: As the fabric's density and structural integrity is compromised, its durability. Once infested, the fabric may need to be discarded, especially if significant damage has occurred.
4 Ways to Prevent Fabric Beetle Infestations
Here are some other tips to prevent fabric beetle infestations:
Routinely de-clutter and deep clean your home to destroy larvae or dead bugs. Remove infected items right away and clean beetle-infested areas.
Seal crevices and openings where insects could enter with caulk and weatherstrip.
After winter, dry clean and store woollens and similar textiles in sealed containers. Also, inspect new clothes and fabrics before bringing them home.
Several dry carpet and rug cleaners offer fabric pest control. However, many dry cleaners no longer offer this service due to a lack of secure waste disposal methods.
If you suspect a fabric beetle infestation, contact a pest control professional to have your home inspected and treated immediately.
Getting Rid of a Fabric Beetle Infestation with D-Day Pest Control Geelong
Although fabric beetles are not a danger to humans, they can cause extensive damage to your clothing and other fabrics in your home. If you suspect a fabric beetle infestation, contact a pest control professional to have your home inspected and treated.
With pest control experts, you can get rid of fabric beetles for good, prevent them from returning, and protect your home from fabric beetle damage.
If you need fabric beetle removal in Geelong, D-Day Pest Control Geelong can help eliminate fabric beetles and other pests from your home and prevent their return. We provide fast and effective pest control services for residential and commercial properties. Contact our team today!
