Two Habits That Feed Carpet Beetles Around Kingston
Old fitted carpet in Norbiton's split villas
Much of Norbiton's older housing stock has been split into flats or let as student housing, and the fitted carpet laid over original timber floors decades ago concentrates larvae right along the skirting edge. A loft where birds have nested in the eaves is worth checking too, particularly in the taller villas.
Stored woollens in New Malden's 1930s semis
In New Malden's 1930s semis, it's just as often an airing cupboard of stored woollens as the carpet itself, and the first anyone notices is usually a jumper or blanket that hasn't been worn in a while turning out to have small holes in it.
Signs to Look For
- Irregular holes in natural-fibre carpets, rugs, clothing or soft furnishings
- Small, bristly larvae ("woolly bears") in carpet edges, cupboards or under furniture
- Tiny shed larval skins gathering in corners or fabric folds
- Adult beetles, a few millimetres long, seen on windowsills in spring
Checking Both Possible Sources
Let us know which room the damage is in — we'll check both the carpet and any nearby stored textiles before deciding what treatment covers.
