Carpets can do more than just add comfort to your home.
In Minnesota, carpets can also become a hidden habitat for a variety of insects and allergens. From microscopic dust mites to fabric-feeding beetles, understanding what might be living underfoot is important.
Here’s a look at some of the most common insects found in Minnesota carpets, how they affect your home, and how you can keep them in check.
First of all, why do I have bugs in my carpet?!
We’re glad you asked.
Carpets offer warmth, shelter, and a steady food source in the form of dead skin cells, pet dander, and food crumbs.
Insects are drawn to these soft, hidden spaces, especially in homes with pets or high humidity. Without routine carpet cleaning, carpets can become a cozy haven for unwanted guests.
What kind of bugs are lurking in my home?!
Dust Mites: The Invisible Allergen
Though you can’t see them, dust mites are nearly everywhere. These microscopic creatures feed on dead skin cells and thrive in warm, humid environments.
While not dangerous in the traditional sense, their presence can trigger asthma and allergic reactions. Professional carpet cleaning can drastically reduce their numbers and help improve indoor air quality.
Carpet Beetles: A Hidden Menace
Carpet beetles are one of the most common culprits found in Minnesota carpets. They may be small, but they are capable of significant damage. The larvae feed on natural fibers, including wool, silk, leather, and fur. This makes carpets, upholstery, and clothing especially vulnerable.
Types like the black carpet beetle are dark brown or black in color and lay their eggs in dark, undisturbed areas. Once the eggs hatch, the larvae begin to consume the fibers of animal origin.
Fleas: Not Just a Pet Problem
If you have pets, fleas may already be familiar to you. These tiny bugs can settle into carpets, furniture, and pet bedding. They reproduce quickly, making them a hassle to manage.
For full removal, pair your vet’s flea treatment with deep carpet cleaning services. Don’t forget to clean your upholstery, too—Revive can help with that.
Bed Bugs: Beyond the Bedroom
Bed bugs are known for infesting mattresses and furniture, but they also make their way into carpets and rugs. Bed bugs hide in the fibers, waiting to emerge at night.
Signs include reddish-brown bugs or small blood spots on fabric. Because they’re hard to eliminate, it’s essential to act fast.
Revive offers thorough, high-heat cleaning that can assist in reducing their presence as a helpful part of a larger treatment plan led by pest specialists.
Moths: Carpet-Damaging Flyers
While more common in closets, some moth species—especially carpet moths—target wool carpets and rugs.
Their larvae feed on fibers of animal origin, creating small holes or thinning in the carpet pile. These bugs are often attracted to dark, undisturbed corners. Carpets aren’t the only place they hide—tile and grout cleaning helps too.
Ants: Spring Invasions into Carpets
Minnesota springs bring with them a fresh wave of ant invasions. Drawn by food crumbs or moisture, ants may use carpet edges and baseboards as trails.
While not typically damaging to the carpet, their presence signals a need for cleaning and possibly sealing entry points.
Kids spilling everything everywhere? This is why we have ants…
Lesser-Known Pests Found in Carpets
- Silverfish: Attracted to glue and fabrics, they often appear in basements or around plumbing.
- Larder Beetles: These beetles feed on pet food, hair, and dead insects and may settle in carpeted areas.
- Stink Bugs and Boxelder Bugs: Often found indoors during seasonal changes, these bugs may take shelter near carpet edges or windowsills. It’s a roll of the dice if we’re going to have tons of boxelder bugs each year. At Revive, we’re not a fan.
Signs of a Carpet Beetle Infestation
Watch for these red flags:
- Shed larvae skins in corners. Yuck.
- Irregular holes in rugs or clothing. No Bueno.
- Live or dead beetles near windows. Ew. Just Ew.
How to Prevent Carpet Pests
- Vacuum regularly, especially in hidden corners or under furniture
- Control indoor humidity levels
- Keep pet bedding clean and food stored securely
- Schedule professional carpet cleaning at least once or twice per year
- Don’t forget your ducts—air duct cleaning supports a healthier home, too
Call Us to Eliminate Allergens from Your Carpets
If you’ve spotted multiple insects, bite marks, or signs of larvae, it’s time to bring in the cleaning experts. For active infestations, you’ll want to consult a pest control provider.
Schedule a carpet cleaning today to remove hidden allergens from your home.
A clean carpet doesn’t just look good—it also protects your family’s health. Whether it’s dust mites, carpet beetle debris, or lingering pet hair, regular cleaning is the key to prevention.
Trust Revive to help keep your Minnesota carpets clean, safe, and allergen-free. Contact us today or see if we service your area.
