Some life cycles are two to three years, depending on the species of carpet beetle. When rooms are warm indoors, the life cycle is shorter than in an unheated portion of the house during the winter. In the spring, the pupa stage is followed by new adults. Usually there are three to four generations per year except for the black or varied carpet beetle that may have one generation per year. Control Measures Inspection Locate the source of infestation before treatment.
Carpet beetle larvae prefer to feed in dark, undisturbed, protected places.
Use a flashlight and nail file to check in such places as under baseboards, in and under upholstered furniture, piano felts, air ducts, stuffed animal trophies, stored cereals, bird nests under eaves, rodent nests, wasp nests in attics, dead birds or rodents in wall voids, woolens, clothes closets, furs, etc. Often the cast skins are more abundant than the larvae. Adult beetles flying around windows may help in locating the infestation. Adult Larva Prevention Good housekeeping is critical. Use a strong suction vacuum cleaner with proper attachments to remove lint, hair and dust from floors, shelves and drawers.