Carpet beetles may be small, but they can cause big headaches for homeowners. These tiny pests feed on natural fibers found in carpets, rugs, upholstery, and even clothing. So, are there carpet beetles in Ontario homes? Unfortunately, yes, and they’re more common than many people realize.
Understanding Carpet Beetles in Ontario
Carpet beetles thrive in many parts of Canada, including Ontario, where indoor heating and year-round homes provide the perfect conditions for them to survive. They’re drawn to natural materials like wool, silk, feathers, and leather, as well as lint and pet hair.
A carpet beetle in Ontario can enter your home through open windows, vents, or even on plants and flowers brought inside. Once indoors, they reproduce quickly, and their larvae feed on organic fibers. Regular cleaning and vacuuming help, but infestations often go unnoticed until visible damage appears.
What Do Carpet Beetles Look Like?
Knowing what to look for can help you identify an issue early. Adult carpet beetles are small, usually 2–4 millimetres long, and come in several varieties. Here’s what to look for:
- Varied carpet beetle: Round body with a mix of brown, black, and white scales
- Common carpet beetle: Dark with lighter speckles across its shell
- Black carpet beetle in Ontario: Solid black or dark brown, slightly longer than other types
The larvae, which cause the most damage, are fuzzy and brownish with bristled tails. You might find them hiding under furniture, in closets, or near baseboards where carpet edges meet walls.
What Does Carpet Beetle Damage Look Like?
Are you wondering, “what does carpet beetle damage look like?” Check your rugs and upholstered furniture for:
- Thin or bare patches where fibers have been eaten away
- Loose threads or uneven textures in fabric
- Small brown shells or shed skins in corners or beneath furniture
While beetles prefer natural fibers, synthetic carpets can also be affected if they contain blended materials. Acting quickly helps prevent further damage, especially in high-traffic areas like living rooms and bedrooms.
How to Get Rid of Carpet Beetles
The good news is that early detection makes removal easier. Here’s how to get rid of carpet beetles effectively:
- Deep clean: Vacuum carpets, rugs, and upholstered furniture thoroughly. Dispose of the vacuum bag immediately.
- Wash fabrics: Launder affected curtains, bedding, and clothing in hot water to kill larvae and eggs.
- Use natural repellents: Cedar oil or diatomaceous earth can deter beetles safely.
- Seal cracks and gaps: Prevent future infestations by sealing windowsills, door frames, and vents.
- Call a pest professional: For large infestations, a licensed pest control expert can provide targeted treatments.
If your carpet shows significant wear or bald spots, it may be time to evaluate when to replace carpet in your home and invest in new flooring.
Choosing Durable Flooring That Lasts
After dealing with carpet beetles, many homeowners consider switching to more resistant materials. Hard-surface options like vinyl, tile, or engineered hardwood make great alternatives because they’re easier to clean and less likely to attract pests.
At Floor Coverings International® of Barrie–Newmarket, ON, we help you explore flooring that fits your lifestyle, from stain-resistant carpet to durable, low-maintenance surfaces that perform beautifully for years. Our Mobile Flooring Showroom® brings a wide selection of styles directly to your home, so you can compare looks and textures in person.
Our professional installation team handles every detail with care, giving you a Seamless Service experience from selection to final walkthrough.
Protect and Refresh Your Home with Expert Flooring
If you’ve noticed carpet beetles in Ontario or simply want to refresh your floors, we’re here to help. Floor Coverings International® of Barrie–Newmarket offers a variety of flooring materials designed to be both stylish and resilient.
Call us today at (249) 888-6688 or schedule your free in-home consultation online. Together, we’ll create a cleaner, more comfortable home that looks great and stays protected for years to come.
