How to Freeze Carpet Beetles

Carpet beetles, like clothes moths, cause damage to fabric. They feed on items containing wool, silk, animal hides, fur, horns and feathers. Carpet beetles are common and can be difficult to prevent completely, no matter how diligent you are about cleaning. You can get rid of carpet beetles by washing some items, but other things cannot be laundered. Fortunately, you can eliminate carpet beetles by using a technique to freeze them.

Things You'll Need

• Freezer
• Plastic bag

Instructions

1. Allow infested items to heat up to room temperature if they have been in a cold attic or shed. Carpet beetles can survive in very cold conditions, but the shock of going rapidly from warmth to freezing cold kills these insects.

2. Turn your freezer dial to its coldest setting. The temperature should be set below 18°F, as advised by the University of California Integrated Pest Management Program.

3. Place the infested item in a plastic bag. Remove as much air as possible.

4. Put the plastic bag in the freezer for 72 hours. Remove the bag and let the item thaw. Put the bag back in the freezer for another three days. Repeat this method for two weeks to effectively kill all the carpet beetles and their larvae.

Tips & Warnings

• The University of California recommends that you regularly clean mounted animal specimens, or put them in a freezer for 10 to 14 days on a regular schedule.

References

• University of California Integrated Pest Management Program
• Washington State University: Carpet Beetle