Carpet dermestides are stubborn parasites that can devour carpets, clothing, and other fabrics. While getting rid of them isn't child's play, it's definitely a job you can do yourself. As soon as you see the signs of an infestation, including larvae, small bits of outer skin and droppings, take action quickly with the right tools and techniques to eliminate them and prevent them from returning.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Thoroughly clean
Step 1. Identify the source of the infestation
Both adult insects and larvae can infest the home, but the latter do more damage because they eat organic matter, such as wool, leather and silk. To know where you need to concentrate your cleaning, first of all look for the point where the infestation is coming from, i.e. the area with the most damage and traces of parasites. Check darker, more secluded areas, such as the basement, under carpets and rugs, for:
- Traces of larvae: they are fluffy, brown in color, bristly and similar to tiny shells.
- Excrements: they are brown in color, about the size of a grain of salt.
- Adult dermestides, oval in shape: they can be of various colors and not much larger than the head of a pin. They can fly and typically live outdoors, but lay their eggs in dark and secluded environments.
- Larvae: They are slightly longer than adult dermestids, often with tufts of hair, although some varieties are shiny and smooth. They can be brown, red, white or striped.
Step 2. Vacuum your entire home to get rid of adult larvae and parasites
It's the best and quickest way to get rid of these unwelcome guests. Focus on where they started to spread and the most infested areas, but run it all over to make sure you remove all traces. Throw away the bag as soon as you're done using the vacuum cleaner.
- Keep passing it every day of the week. Depending on the severity of the problem, you may need to vacuum several times a day during the first few days.
- Wipe it on upholstery or fabric-covered areas that you can't put in the washing machine.
- Check carpet labels to find out how to clean them, and if necessary, get a steam cleaner.
Step 3. Throw away any infested clothing or fabrics
If any items of clothing or fabrics have been gnawed, throw them in an outside garbage can. If you store them, you will have a harder time stopping the infestation.
Throw away your clothes even if you don't see any larvae or adult parasites among the fibers
Step 4. Wash all clothing even if it doesn't look damaged
Put everything in the washing machine - clothes, towels, blankets, sheets and other fabrics - and wash by selecting a program with hot water. Adult dermestids, along with larvae and eggs, are very resistant, so heat, combined with the action of the detergent, is the best way to kill them.
Dry clean clothes that cannot be washed in water
Method 2 of 3: Use Special Treatments
Step 1. Spray insecticide on areas that you cannot clean or wash
Look for a product specially formulated against dermestides. Follow the instructions carefully so that you apply it to fabrics that you cannot clean otherwise. Avoid applying it all over the house. Insecticides should only be used in a localized manner.
- Just spray it on the spots where you notice fluffy traces, such as under or around the edges of rugs or carpets, in the walls of the closet, on the shelves where fabrics were placed, between cracks and crevices. Do not spray it on clothing or bedding.
- Remember to wear protective gloves and clothing when applying the insecticide. Walk away as it disperses into the air and later washes your hands.
Step 2. Spread boric acid in hard-to-reach areas
If you are having trouble getting to places affected by the infestation, such as the attic or cavities, spread some boric acid. You can also spray this substance by mixing 1 tablespoon (4-5 g) with 480 ml of hot water. Stir until the powder dissolves, then use a spray bottle to spread the solution over the hard-to-reach openings.
Boric acid has a whitening effect, so avoid using it on dark materials
Step 3. Use hormone-based sticky traps if the infestation is difficult to remove
If the problem is severe enough, place sticky traps around the house to attract and capture dermestides and prevent further complications. Place them around entry points, such as windows, doors, or crevices, and in more confined areas where these pests are particularly aggressive.
- Traps based on hormones or pheromones are formulated according to the parasitic species to be fought. You can also use hormone-free sticky traps to catch these insects, especially those that fly through windows.
- Check them 1-2 times a week.
- You can buy them at a hardware store, at stores that sell pesticides, or on the Internet.
Method 3 of 3: Preventing an Infestation
Step 1. Search and remove any external nests
To prevent the dermestids from returning, check if the mosquito nets and doors are intact and keep them closed as much as possible. Take a look outside and remove any old cobwebs and bird, rodent or bee nests that these pests can hide in.
- You should also examine any flowers and plants that you bring into your home for any traces of adult larvae or insects. If you see them, leave the plant outside.
- If the infestation returns or is particularly difficult to clear, you can spray a liquid insecticide around the outside perimeter of the house and near entry points. Since this product could kill harmless insects, apply it only when needed.
Step 2. Clean the areas most prone to contamination often
Vacuum carpeting and wash clothes and other fabrics frequently, at least once every two weeks or so. This is the best way to prevent a dermestide infestation. Clean immediately when liquids spill or stains form. Food and sweat stains on fabrics can attract these parasites.
Make sure you reduce the presence of hair, lint and dust because the dermestides are greedy for these residues
Step 3. Put the fabrics and clothing you are not using in plastic containers
Store your starched clothes, fabrics, and fabrics out of season in airtight plastic bags or containers. Expose them to the sun and wash them at least once a year to keep the infestation under control.
- For added protection, also insert a few strips of resin sprinkled with insecticide. You can also use mothballs, flakes or crystals.
- In the event of an infestation, wash or dry any item with water before putting it back in its place.
Step 4. Give preference to synthetic materials over organic ones
The dermestides of carpets feed only on organic products, therefore, by choosing synthetic materials, you will reduce the risk of infestations. Consider this advice especially when shopping for carpets and furniture.
- Generally, the synthetic materials used for the composition of carpets and rugs include nylon, polyester, trixta and olefin.
- For furniture, synthetic substances include acrylic, acetate, nylon and polyester.
Advice
- If you can't get rid of your skin on your own, call an exterminator. It is able to use more powerful and effective chemicals for more thorough cleaning.
- Dermestides can also be attracted to the felt contained in the bearings of piano hammers, causing damage that can affect the sound of this musical instrument. If so, call a piano technician.
- If you notice any isolated pests in your home, don't worry too much. They often enter from the outside and exit quickly. Treatment is only necessary if you see the larvae.
