Carpet beetles
The Loft Above the Top-Floor Flat
Carpet beetle larvae feed on wool, feathers, fur and the dust and debris that collect in old buildings. Birds' nests in the eaves are an ideal food source, as are forgotten boxes of old clothes, rugs and blankets. In a converted house the loft may hold things left by previous owners of several flats. When the larvae run out of food, or the adult beetles look for somewhere to lay eggs, they move down into the top-floor rooms. Where carpet beetles hide explains the usual places.
Tall eaves and birds
Edwardian roofs have gables and deep eaves where pigeons, starlings and sparrows can nest. Old nests contain feathers and debris that carpet beetle larvae feed on, and the larvae can make their way from the nest into the loft and down.
Signs of Carpet Beetles
- Small, round, mottled beetles on windowsills in spring and early summer
- Small, hairy, brown larvae along skirting boards or under furniture
- Shed larval skins in corners or in drawers
- Irregular holes in wool clothing, blankets or carpet
- Damage in top-floor rooms under the loft
Why carpet beetles appear on windowsills explains why you might see adults there. Similar damage can be caused by carpet moths in Golders Green, and carpet beetles or carpet moths helps you tell them apart.
Skin Irritation
The hairs on carpet beetle larvae can cause itchy skin in some people, which is sometimes mistaken for bites. Whether carpet beetle larvae irritate skin explains more. If you have a rash, speak to a pharmacist or GP, and call 999 for signs of a severe allergic reaction. Checking the bed for bed bugs can help rule out the other common cause.
What to Do Now
- Vacuum thoroughly, including under furniture and along skirting boards
- Wash or dry-clean affected clothing and blankets
- Store wool items in sealed bags
- Tell the freeholder or managing agent if you think the loft is the source
Who Deals With a Shared Loft
In a house divided into flats, the loft is usually part of the building under the freeholder, even when the only hatch is in the top-floor flat. Boxes left there may belong to anyone, past or present. If carpet beetles are coming from the loft, the freeholder or managing agent is the person to ask about clearing it and about any work to the eaves. Treating the rooms of the top-floor flat deals with the larvae there, but if the source above is left in place they can keep coming down. If you own a whole house, the loft is simply yours to clear, and it is worth doing before treatment of the rooms below.
Booking and Around the Visit
When you book carpet beetle control, tell us which rooms are affected, whether you are on the top floor and whether you know of birds nesting in the roof. If the loft is shared, access may need to be arranged with the freeholder. The time it takes to clear depends on the source and the building. Get back in touch if you see more larvae afterwards.
Keeping Them Away
Clearing old birds' nests from the eaves and removing unwanted textiles from the loft reduces the food source. Once birds are no longer nesting, gaps in the eaves can be closed by a roofer. Vacuum regularly under furniture, and keep anything woollen that goes up into the loft in sealed boxes rather than open bags. For carpet beetles across the rest of the borough, see Carpet Beetle Control Barnet.
