Harmful Effects of Having Pests On Your Carpet and Upholstery

Keeping a house clean can feel like an uphill struggle, mainly if there are children around. No sooner is one room tidy than another needs attention. Sadly, it can be more than just magazines, shoes, or toys that we battle with. Nature itself can threaten to damage our possessions and our homes.

In some cases, pests such as beetles or moths gain access to peoples’ houses and begin to do damage. While the creatures themselves are not always easy to see, the signs will be. We’ll now take a brief tour of some of the damage pests can do to our homes if they are left unchecked. 

An Ingrained Infestation

Some people may say, ‘I have nothing to fear from pests because I don’t have carpets.’ Sadly people who have tile or hardwood flooring are not exempt from some of the issues. Most people have upholstered furniture such as armchairs or sofas. They can be under threat just as much as our carpets and rugs.  

When a problem is found, pest extermination is what is needed. When the telltale signs of infestation are found, a deep clean will be required. This will be to hoover up the pest eggs before they hatch. It is for this reason that some people are looking online for portable vacuum cleaners. They want ones that contain a tank for water and carpet shampoo to help remove the pests. Different accessories will also be needed to access difficult areas such as corners and carpet edges. 

Some portable products have more power than a standard vacuum, which will help in the battle against infestation. Once the process has been completed, immediately dispose of the vacuum cleaner bag.  

If the pests are ignored, they will multiply, and so will the damage. If you can’t eradicate them yourself, an exterminator will need to be summoned. They will use their experience and specialist equipment to tackle the issue. 

Silverfish Damage

Silverfish will either appear browny-grey or bluey-silver. These pests love to eat their way through silk, linen, or synthetic fibers. It won’t be a pleasant discovery to find feces on such items. There may be holes in carpets or clothes that are tinged with a yellow color.  

Carpet Moth Damage

These pests are beige or brown in appearance. They love to lay eggs in dark places. Imagine up to 150 eggs appearing within five days! The ensuing caterpillars are the real villains here. They chew their way through natural fibers or wool found in carpets. The first symptom could be that the fibers have become loose. This will be because they have eaten the knots that kept them together. Cocoons may also start appearing in woolen items. 

The infestation will pose such a threat that a person should wash their clothes and then put them in a dryer set on ‘hot’. Not all garments can be treated this way, however. Sensitive clothes can be stored in a freezer for a few days. This will be an alternative way to kill any eggs. 

Moths love to hide in wardrobes or under sofas. Linen, towels, suitcases, and wash bags should all be washed - then clean the storage closet.   

Carpet Beetle Damage

It’s not the adults that a person needs to worry about - it’s the larvae that hatch from their eggs. They will go on a spree of destruction, targeting rug fibers and woolen socks. They will leave shed skins and feces in their wake. 

Carpets and fabrics will develop random holes. Imagine discovering cocoons or wriggling larvae under a rug! Carpets will be attacked from the bottom up, and seat coverings will become chewed. Bedding, clothes, and household items will all become vulnerable. Woolen sweaters and silk blouses will need to be safely removed before they develop holes. Blankets and dresses will be similarly at risk. 

As we have seen, the sooner issues are tackled, the safer the home will be. Spray moth repellents can be bought as a preventative measure. If the home humidity is kept under 50%, this will help prevent any pests from breeding. If carpets are near sinks or baths, they will tend to become wet. This should be avoided wherever possible as pests will like this environment. If a rug is thoroughly damaged or infested, it may be best to dispose of it.

When ongoing care is taken over a person’s carpets and upholstery, it will protect not just them but all the other items that could fall prey to carpet moths, beetles, and the like.