Why Age Doesn't Protect Against Carpet Beetles in Lewisham
Fitted carpet in newer flats near Deptford Creek
Even in newer apartment developments near Deptford Creek, fitted carpet collects fluff and debris at the skirting edge within a couple of years of everyday use, and that's all the larvae need to establish. A carpet's age has surprisingly little bearing on whether it's affected.
Stored clothing in older conversions toward Forest Hill and Sydenham
Older conversions climbing toward Forest Hill and Sydenham see the larvae just as often in an airing cupboard as in a carpet, with the first sign usually being a jumper or blanket that hasn't been worn in a while turning out to have small holes. Wool, fur and feathers left undisturbed are what they're actually after.
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 Beyond Just the Carpet
Tell us which rooms are affected — we'll also check whether any stored clothing or textiles nearby need looking at alongside the carpet itself.
