Beetles Extermination, Fumigation and Pest Control in Vaughan

All manner of

Vaughan Pest Control Services has resolved many cases of Beetles of all sorts. From Beetles nesting pantry grains, to Carpet to the ones destroying wood. We exterminate them all with great success.

This pest destroys garments and other household items made of natural fibers, as well as pantry items. It is the larvae that cause the most damage.

The black carpet beetle is among the most common and most destructive species of carpet beetles. It damages household products containing keratin, a protein found in animal hair and feathers. Plant products, such as cereals and grains, as well as synthetic fabrics not derived from animal matter, may also be affected.

Description of the life cycle

Within 2 months to 2 years, the black carpet beetle passes through the egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages.

Typically, adult Black Carpet Beetles are dark brown to black in color and oval in shape. They range in length from 1/8 to 3/16 inches. They feed outdoors on pollen and nectar, and after about a week, they move indoors to lay eggs. Depending on food availability and other environmental factors, adults have a lifespan from nine months to three years.

In lint, cracks, and other areas near larval food sources, females lay about 50 small, white eggs that hatch in six to ten days.

The black carpet beetle’s larvae can be destructive, shaped like a cigar and covered with short, stiff hairs – usually a dark brown to black color. Older larvae have long, bristlelike tails. This stage can grow up to 1/2 inch and they undergo five to 11 molts before pupation occurs which sometimes takes up to two years. Cast larval skins are often found on infested materials leading them to be mistaken for living larvae.

When most of the larval feeding and growth has taken place, the black carpet beetle pupates in its last larval skin. The pupal stage lasts six to 24 days.

Importance from a medical and economic perspective

The black carpet beetle is usually considered a general feeder, but it inflicts the most damage on household fabrics. This pest has a preference for consuming wool products or cutting fur hairs at the base, and on fabrics it generally consumes just the nap. However, they may also infest stored products such as cereals, nuts, and grain. The consequences of an infestation are clear: fabrics become aesthetically unappealing and unusable, while individuals near the beetles may experience allergies due to exposure to its fragments, cast skins or dust.

Household goods susceptible to black carpet beetles can be detected by close inspection. Depending on the value of the product, some may decide to discard it, while others may decide to salvage it.

A careful inspection is a must when it comes to controlling black carpet beetle infestations. From rugs to mounted animal specimens, all fabrics susceptible to attack by these pests should be examined for larvae, shed skins, and other damage. Foods such as stored grains, bird seed and cereals are likewise areas of concern and should be checked out. Should flowers from outside be brought in, they must be inspected too since adult beetles feed on pollen and nectar. Also necessary is the installation of screens around windows, with doors tightly fitted to avoid adults coming indoors. Last but not least, during winter, when cold weather forces black carpet beetles indoors, nests of animals like birds or rodents can become major sources of infestation and should therefore be located and disposed of accordingly before winter begins.

If you vacuum, you will be able to remove animal hair and lint from the carpet, which is a food source for black carpet beetles. If you locate an infested article, you should dispose of it as soon as possible. If the item is valuable, you have several options. You can store furs in cold storage at temperatures around 40°C. You can also freeze some items for a week to kill all beetle larvae.

In the case of severe infestation, insecticide treatment may be necessary. Before using insecticides on carpets, it is essential to vacuum the premises thoroughly. Cracks and crevices can be treated with dusts such as diatomaceous earth or silica aerogel. These products can also be used at the edge of carpeting close to the baseboards in affected rooms. Sprays specially formulated for rugs can be used for spot treatments. Emulsifiable concentrates are often the best choice for treating carpets and rugs. In extreme circumstances, a professional pest controller may need to use methyl bromide or sulfuryl fluoride gas (Vikane) for fumigation. Although this method can eliminate any current infestations, it does not offer long-term protection against reinfestation.

In terms of protection against black carpet beetles, paradichlorobenzene (moth balls) and napthalene are not effective. Paradichlorobenzene inhibits feeding slightly, but is not an effective repellent.