Key Points
Carpet beetle larvae cause all fabric damage
Removing larvae is more important than killing adults
Cleaning and heat are the most effective methods
Larvae hide in dark, undisturbed areas
Preventing reinfestation is critical
Why Carpet Beetle Larvae Are the Real Problem
Carpet beetle larvae—not adults—are responsible for damage to clothing, carpets, and furniture. Adults primarily feed on pollen outdoors and do not harm household items.
If you’re dealing with damage or irritation, larvae are almost always the cause. For a full overview of carpet beetle behavior and life cycle, see the Ultimate Carpet Beetle Guide
How to Identify Carpet Beetle Larvae
Before treatment, confirm larvae are present.
Larvae are typically:
Small and elongated
Brown or tan
Covered in tiny hairs
Found in dark or hidden areas
Common locations include:
Closets
Under furniture
Along baseboards
Inside storage boxes
For visual identification, see What Do Carpet Beetle Larvae Look Like?
Step-by-Step: How to Get Rid of Carpet Beetle Larvae
Step 1: Locate the Source
Start by identifying where larvae are feeding.
Inspect:
Natural-fiber clothing
Carpets and rugs
Upholstered furniture
Stored fabrics
Pet bedding
Damage examples are shown in What Does Carpet Beetle Damage Look Like?
Step 2: Remove and Isolate Infested Items
Take affected items out of the area immediately.
Options include:
Washing with hot water
Dry cleaning
Sealing items in bags until treated
Avoid moving infested items through clean areas.
Step 3: Wash and Heat-Treat Fabrics
Heat is one of the most effective ways to kill larvae and eggs.
Recommended methods:
Wash fabrics in hot water
Dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes
Use steam on carpets and upholstery
Heat penetrates fibers where larvae hide.
Step 4: Vacuum Thoroughly
Vacuuming removes larvae, shed skins, and food sources.
Focus on:
Carpet edges
Baseboards
Under furniture
Closet floors
Cracks and crevices
Dispose of vacuum contents immediately after use.
Step 5: Clean Hidden and Undisturbed Areas
Larvae thrive where fabrics remain untouched.
Clean:
Closets
Storage areas
Under beds
Inside drawers
Regular disturbance helps disrupt the infestation.
Step 6: Monitor for Continued Activity
After cleaning, continue monitoring for:
New larvae
Fresh fabric damage
Shed larval skins
If larvae continue appearing, the source may not be fully addressed.
Do Insect Sprays Kill Carpet Beetle Larvae?
Sprays may kill exposed larvae but often fail to reach:
Deep carpet fibers
Furniture interiors
Storage areas
Cleaning and heat-based methods are more reliable for long-term control.
Why Larvae Often Return
Larvae may reappear if:
Eggs were left behind
New items were introduced
Adult beetles are still entering
Understanding entry points helps prevent reinfestation. See How Do Carpet Beetles Get Into Your House?
How Long Does It Take to Get Rid of Carpet Beetle Larvae?
Removal time depends on:
Severity of infestation
Number of affected items
Thoroughness of cleaning
In mild cases, larvae can be eliminated within weeks. Larger infestations may take longer.
Are Carpet Beetle Larvae Dangerous?
Larvae do not bite, but their hairs can cause skin irritation in some people.
Safety concerns are covered in Are Carpet Beetles Dangerous?
Preventing Carpet Beetle Larvae From Returning
Prevention steps include:
Regular vacuuming
Storing clothing in sealed containers
Inspecting secondhand items
Reducing clutter
Checking entry points
Early detection helps prevent repeat infestations. See What Are the Signs of a Carpet Beetle Infestation?
FAQ
Vacuuming helps but should be combined with heat treatment.
Some larvae or eggs may survive light cleaning if not thoroughly treated.
They may hide near beds but do not live on people.
Often no—many items can be saved with proper cleaning.