You may spot small beetles in the house crawling across windowsills, floors or cupboards. These beetles are often harmless but can become a nuisance. The most common types include carpet beetles, biscuit beetles and larder beetles. This post looks at the most common household beetles.
Which types of beetles come inside and why?
Carpet beetles are oval-shaped and often have a mottled pattern. They can damage wool, feathers and other natural fibres. They can therefore damage soft furnishings as well as carpets and rugs.
Biscuit beetles, on the other hand, are tiny reddish-brown beetles that target stored dry food. Fine powder or damaged packaging often appears where they feed or lay eggs. Larder beetles are slightly larger and have a dark body with a pale band across the back. You might also find shed skins or small holes in dried meat, cheese or pet food. Each of these pests prefers different environments. However, they all come indoors looking for food or shelter.
Small beetles in the house usually get inside through gaps in windows or cracks in brickwork. However, they can also arrive through infested food or old furniture. They thrive in warm homes where food or natural fibres are available.
How to stop beetles from entering your home
To stop beetles entering, check for access points. Seal any gaps around windows, pipes or doorframes. You should also inspect second-hand furniture or fabrics before bringing them inside.
If you have spotted biscuit or larder beetles, check food cupboards. Discard anything that shows signs of infestation. Then clean the area thoroughly and store food in sealed containers.
With carpet beetles, hoover regularly to remove hair, skin flakes or crumbs. These act as food for the larvae. Pay attention to corners, under furniture and along skirting boards.Although regular cleaning helps, beetles can still return. If you keep finding small beetles in the house, it may be time to call pest control.
You may wish to call our London pest control company for residential services. We know how to identify beetle species and find the source of the infestation. This is essential for choosing the right treatment. We use safe, effective methods that target both adult beetles and hidden larvae.
Importantly, we always follow UK guidelines and use products approved for domestic use. We will also advise you on long-term prevention and help you protect your home.Because some beetles hide well, DIY methods may not work. They might reduce numbers but often miss eggs or larvae. As a result, the problem may return in weeks. Give us a call to discuss your issues.
