Common Carpet Problems You should Know About
Textile Insects
Carpet beetles and clothes moths have NOT been eliminated. In the past years, textile-eating insects were common due to the large amount of wool fibers in clothing and home furnishings. The popularity and widespread use of synthetic fibers has led to the incorrect assumption that insect damage is a thing of the past. Clothes moths and carpet beetles can digest protein fibers such as wool, silk and specialty hair fibers, but these insects will also attack synthetic fibers if they contain protein substances. This means carpets, rugs, draperies and upholstery made from nylon, acrylic, polyester, acetate and other synthetics can be damaged if they contain food or beverage stains, blood, urine, perspiration or other sources of nutritional protein.
Firebrats and silverfish are also textile pests that attack carbohydrates. They eat the paste on wallpaper and book bindings as well as starched clothing. Termites digest cellulosic materials including wood and carpet backings in addition to yarns made of jute and cotton.
Fleas can lay their eggs in the carpet pile and backing.
A thorough, professional carpet cleaning will kill all the adults but cannot kill all the eggs. For this reason, whenever there is a flea infestation in the home or business environment, we recommend calling a professional pest remover before getting your carpets cleaned. The first visit will remove the adults and a residual treatment will kill the fleas hatching from the eggs. This usually requires at least a 2 week waiting period. For flea infestations in area and handmade rugs, please see Common Rug Problems-Insects.
For information on removal of dust mite infestations and pet allergens, please see Allergy Relief Treatment.
The most effective way to prevent an infestation and inhibit growth is to keep textile furnishings clean. Spills should be removed immediately. Carpet, rugs, draperies, upholstery, etc., should be brushed or vacuumed regularly as insects do not generally attack clean materials. Regular dry cleaning of these articles will also decrease the chances of infestation because dry cleaning solvent is toxic to most textile pests. Regular carpet cleaning will remove the nutritional contaminants that can attract and support insects. If an infestation has occurred, you should consult our office or a licensed pest control operator who is experienced in treating textile products for insect control.
