Carpet beetles are deceptively destructive. The adult beetles themselves cause little damage, but their larvae — known as woolly bears — feed voraciously on natural fibres and can cause extensive damage throughout your home before you even realise you have an infestation:

• Irreversible damage to carpets — larvae chew irregular holes and bare patches into wool, silk, and natural fibre carpets that cannot be repaired
• Destruction of clothing and textiles — larvae feed on wool, cashmere, silk, fur, leather, and feather-filled items stored in wardrobes and drawers
• Damage to soft furnishings — sofas, curtains, cushions, and upholstered furniture made from natural fibres are all at risk
• Contamination of food stores — some carpet beetle species also feed on dried food products including cereals, spices, and dried flowers
• Damage to collections and valuables — books, taxidermy, museum collections, antique rugs, and natural history specimens are particularly vulnerable
• Skin irritation — the tiny hairs shed by carpet beetle larvae can cause allergic skin reactions and irritation in sensitive individuals, sometimes mistaken for bed bug bites

Common Carpet Beetle Species in London

Varied Carpet Beetle (Anthrenus verbasci)
The most common carpet beetle species in London. Small, rounded, and mottled with white, brown, and yellow scales, the varied carpet beetle is frequently introduced into homes through cut flowers, birds nests in roof spaces, and infested second-hand furniture. Their larvae cause the most significant damage to carpets and textiles.

Furniture Carpet Beetle (Anthrenus flavipes)
Similar in appearance to the varied carpet beetle, the furniture carpet beetle primarily targets upholstered furniture, sofas, and padded furnishings. Increasingly common in London homes and hotels.

Black Carpet Beetle (Attagenus unicolor)
Larger and entirely black, the black carpet beetle is a serious pest of natural fibres, dried food products, and animal-based materials. Their elongated larvae are particularly destructive and can survive for extended periods without food.

Guernsey Carpet Beetle (Anthrenus sarnicus)
A less common but increasingly reported species in London, the Guernsey carpet beetle behaves similarly to the varied carpet beetle and requires the same professional treatment approach.

Signs You Have a Carpet Beetle Infestation

• Irregular bare patches, thinning, or holes in wool or natural fibre carpets
• Small holes in clothing, particularly woolens, cashmere, and silk items
• Shed larval skins — pale brown, bristly casings found along carpet edges, in wardrobes, and under furniture
• Seeing small, rounded, mottled adult beetles — particularly on windowsills as they are attracted to light
• Tiny, slow-moving hairy larvae — known as woolly bears — found in carpets, wardrobes, or drawers
• Damage to soft furnishings, curtains, or upholstered furniture
• Skin irritation or rashes with no obvious cause — potentially caused by larval hairs

If you notice any of these signs, contact Pescon immediately before further damage occurs.

Our Carpet Beetle Control Treatment Process

🪲 Step 1 — Thorough Inspection & Assessment

Our certified technician carries out a detailed inspection of your property, identifying the carpet beetle species, locating infested areas, assessing the extent of the damage, and identifying the conditions and entry points contributing to the infestation. We check carpets, wardrobes, drawers, soft furnishings, loft spaces, and bird nests in roof areas — all common harbourage sites for carpet beetles.

🪲 Step 2 — Professional Treatment Programme

Based on our inspection findings, we implement a comprehensive treatment programme targeting carpet beetles at all life stages:

Residual Insecticide Treatment
A professional-grade residual insecticide is applied to all affected carpets, rugs, skirting boards, wardrobes, and soft furnishings — killing larvae and adult beetles on contact and providing ongoing protection for weeks after treatment.

Insect Growth Regulator (IGR)
Combined with insecticide treatment, IGR prevents carpet beetle eggs and larvae from developing into adults — breaking the reproductive cycle and ensuring long-term elimination.

Loft & Roof Space Treatment
Bird nests in loft spaces and roof areas are a primary source of carpet beetle infestations. We treat loft spaces and advise on bird proofing measures to eliminate this common entry route.

Crack & Crevice Treatment
Insecticidal dust is applied into skirting board gaps, floorboard crevices, and other hard-to-reach areas where carpet beetle larvae commonly harbour and pupate.

🪲 Step 3 — Prevention & Proofing Advice

Our technician provides detailed guidance on preventing future infestations including proper storage of natural fibre clothing, regular vacuuming routines, bird proofing recommendations, and advice on inspecting second-hand furniture and items before bringing them into your home.

🪲 Step 4 — Follow-Up & Guarantee

We offer a follow-up visit to confirm full elimination of the infestation and provide retreatment where necessary — ensuring your carpets, clothing, and furnishings are fully protected.