How much does carpet beetle extermination cost?

How much does carpet beetle extermination cost?

How much does carpet beetle extermination cost?

$200 – $300average cost per visit

Get free estimates for your project or view our cost guide below:

$200 – $300 average cost per visit


Get free estimates for your project or view our cost guide below:
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Kristen Cramer
Written by
Kristen Cramer
Edited by
Tara Farmer
Fact-checked by
Jennifer Carlson

Average carpet beetle extermination cost

Carpet beetle extermination costs $200 to $300 per visit on average, depending on the infestation severity, location, and accessibility, the type of treatment used, and your geographic location. Costs can reach $900 for severe carpet beetle infestations that require multiple exterminator visits.

Average cost of exterminator for carpet beetles
National Average Cost $250
Minimum Cost $100
Maximum Cost $900
Average Range $200 to $300

Get free estimates from pest control services near you.

Carpet beetle extermination cost factors

The following factors affect the cost to exterminate carpet beetles:

  • Infestation location & accessibility: Easily accessible areas like living rooms or bedrooms typically cost less to treat than hard-to-reach spaces such as attics, crawl spaces, or inside walls. Difficult-to-access areas may require specialized equipment or additional labor, increasing the overall cost.

  • Treatment method: Different treatment methods come with varying price points. Chemical treatments tend to be less expensive, while heat treatments and fumigation for severe infestations cost the most.

  • Number of visits needed: Most carpet beetle exterminations require 2 to 3 visits to completely eliminate the infestation. Initial treatments target adult beetles, while follow-up visits address newly hatched larvae from eggs that survived the first treatment.

  • Geographic location: Extermination services typically cost more in urban areas than in rural regions.

  • Local company vs. nationwide franchise: Local pest control companies often charge less than nationwide franchises. However, national companies may offer more comprehensive service plans and warranties.

Can an exterminator get rid of carpet beetles?

Yes, professional exterminators can eliminate carpet beetle infestations. For moderate to severe infestations, professional treatment is almost always more cost-effective in the long run, as it prevents ongoing damage to valuable belongings.

Professional exterminators offer several advantages over DIY methods:

  • Expertise in identifying the specific type of carpet beetle

  • Access to commercial-grade treatments not available to consumers

  • Knowledge of beetle life cycles and hiding places

  • Ability to treat hard-to-reach areas

  • Follow-up visits to ensure complete elimination

A professional exterminator can also provide valuable guidance on preventing future infestations through proper cleaning and storage practices.

Ongoing pest control services

Pest control costs $300 to $900 per year for an annual plan, depending on your location, the number of visits, and the type of treatments included. Ongoing exterminator services can help to prevent a carpet beetle infestation while also providing coverage for many other common household pests.

Carpet beetle FAQs

What causes carpet beetles?

Carpet beetles enter homes through open windows, doors, or on infested items brought into the home. They're attracted to natural fibers and can be found on flowers and plants outside before making their way indoors. Poor housekeeping, accumulated lint, and the presence of other dead insects can provide food sources that attract carpet beetles.

What do carpet beetles eat?

Carpet beetles eat a variety of natural materials, including wool, silk, leather, fur, feathers, pet hair, brushes with natural bristles, and dead insects. They're particularly attracted to fabrics containing natural animal fibers.

Adult carpet beetles feed on pollen and nectar, while the larvae cause the most damage by feeding on organic materials found in carpets, clothing, upholstery, and stored food products.

Do carpet beetles bite?

No, carpet beetles do not bite humans or pets. The irritation often mistaken for bites is actually an allergic reaction to the bristly hairs on carpet beetle larvae or their shed skins. This reaction can cause itchy, red welts similar to insect bites, leading to confusion about the source of the irritation.

Are carpet beetles harmful?

While carpet beetles don't bite or transmit diseases, they can cause significant damage to personal belongings. They're particularly destructive to natural fibers, potentially ruining valuable items like clothing, wool rugs, silk garments, and leather products.

Additionally, the shed skins and bristly hairs from carpet beetle larvae can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, causing skin irritation, respiratory issues, and eye discomfort.

Do carpet beetles fly?

Yes, adult carpet beetles can fly. They have functional wings and are capable of flying into homes through open windows or doors. Their flying ability contributes to their effective spread and enables them to enter homes from outdoor flowering plants where they often feed on pollen and nectar.

homeguide-close-up-of-carpet-beetle-on-fabric
homeguide-close-up-of-carpet-beetle-on-fabric

Getting quotes from exterminators

Follow these tips to help you find the best carpet beetle exterminator near you:

  • Get quotes from at least three pest control companies to compare prices and services.

  • Read reviews on HomeGuide and Google to confirm the companies are reputable and reliable.

  • Choose an exterminator that is licensed, insured, and has been in business for at least 5 years.

  • Confirm whether the initial price includes any follow-up visits.

  • Select a company that offers detailed pest control treatment plans.

Questions to ask pest control companies

When evaluating pest control companies, ask these questions to ensure you hire the best company for the job:

  • How long have you been in business?

  • What type of carpet beetles have infested my home?

  • What methods will you use to eliminate them?

  • Are your treatments safe for children and pets?

  • What should I do to prepare my home before the treatment?

  • How many treatments will it take to eliminate the carpet beetles?

  • Do you provide a warranty or guarantee for your services?

  • What preventative measures do you recommend?

  • Do you offer ongoing pest control services or maintenance programs?