There are several different species of carpet beetles, but the most common is the black carpet beetle whose larvae regularly infest homes. The black carpet beetle is a small winged shiny black insect, while other carpet beetles are brightly colored in various patterns of white, brown, yellow, and orange. Adult carpet beetles are small, oval-shaped and are usually about 1/8 of an inch long. The wing covers of the carpet beetle are marked with a molted pattern of yellow, white, and orange scales on a black background, the colors may be faded on older carpet beetles. Larvae carpet beetles are about 1/4 inch long and densely covered with hairs, and only carpet beetles in the larval stage feed on fabric and cause damage. The hairs of the larvae carpet beetle have also been known to cause dermatitis, irritation of the nasal passages and sinuses, and may contribute to more allergies

Carpet beetles may feed on seeds, pet food, and cereal products. However, carpet beetles are typically scavengers that feed on woolens, hides, feathers, hair, taxidermy specimens, and dried meats. They may also feed on dead insects, such as box elder bugs and attic flies that may be trapped in wall spaces. Adult carpet beetles are known to feed on flowers located outdoors, and some may be seen in homes located around fixtures and windows where a larval infestation is present. Carpet beetles will not remain on food material, and instead crawl around; these beetles are known to crawl considerable distances. They may also live on lint composed mostly of shed skin flakes and hairs, and may feed on natural carpet fibers and clothing. The control of carpet beetles includes eliminating them by cleaning or destroying infested items, such as clothes and food products. 

If carpet beetle damage is present, and hair-based accumulations are found behind baseboard, and in heating vents, then there is a carpet beetle infestation.  It best to check all corners of closets, hat boxes, remnants of wool fabric and carpeting, then clean and vacuum. A major part of carpet beetle elimination is thorough vacuum cleaning to prevent the accumulation of lint, hair, and other carpet beetle food material. If the source of the infestation is known, it is best to clean up that source to eliminate the carpet beetles. Lint accumulates the most in corners, around baseboards, and on shelves, so it is important to vacuum thoroughly in those areas. The vacuum cleaner bag should be disposed of after cleaning those areas. Infested clothing, cloth, blankets, and other fabrics should be cleaned are disposed of when infestation is confirmed. Small items, such as ornaments and fur toys can be freeze-treated by placing them in the freezer, and allowing them to freeze for a week. After infested areas are properly cleaned, it may be necessary to apply insecticide. If insecticide is used for elimination, only cracks, crevices, and suspected areas should be treated.

Spray insecticides may be applied to infested carpets, along and beneath adjacent baseboards, and underneath furniture; clothing or bedding should not be sprayed directly. Clothing and bedding items should be removed before spraying inside closets or drawers. Laundering clothes in hot water and dry-cleaning will kill carpet beetles in the larvae stage. Woolens and fabrics should be dry-cleaned of laundered before being stored for long periods of time. Clothing should also be brushed at regular intervals, at least once or twice a month to eliminate any carpet beetles that may be lurking. The brushing process should be done outdoors, and all areas should be brushed including pocket flaps and collars. A wide spread infestation of carpet beetles may warrant the services of a professional pest control operator who will be able to get into the hard to reach places, such as walls and attics.

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