Carpet Beetle Bait Traps

These traps catch carpet beetles on a sticky surface as they walk onto them, and some carry an attractant. They tell you where activity is and whether it is falling. Adults get caught moving about; the larvae doing the damage stay down in the carpet pile and fabric folds, so treat those areas as well rather than relying on the traps alone.

Place traps near fabric storage areas, skirting boards, under furniture, or where you have seen beetle activity.

These traps hold insects on a sticky surface and contain no insecticide. Place them where children and pets cannot handle them - under furniture, behind fabric storage, along skirting boards - and dispose of used traps promptly.

Most traps remain effective for up to several weeks or until they become full. Replace as needed to maintain coverage.

That is the expected pattern rather than a failure. The traps catch adults moving about in the open; the holes are made by larvae feeding down in the pile, under carpet edges and inside wardrobes. Catching adults tells you the infestation is live and roughly where it is, but it does not reduce the damage. Treat the feeding sites directly with a powder worked into edges and gaps, and vacuum thoroughly along skirtings and under furniture.

To prevent reinfestation, regularly vacuum carpets, rugs, and upholstered furniture to remove lint, pet hair, and debris that attract carpet beetles. Store natural fibre clothing and fabrics in sealed containers and check for signs of beetles before bringing second-hand items into your home.

If damage keeps appearing after a full treatment cycle, if it has spread across several rooms, or if you suspect the source is an old bird or rodent nest in a loft, chimney or wall void you cannot reach safely. Look for a qualified pest controller with BPCA membership.