Best DIY Approach for Small Carpet Beetle Issues?

Hey everyone,
I’ve been noticing little signs of carpet beetles around my living room — just a few larvae here and there, nothing crazy, but definitely enough to make me want to deal with it ASAP.

Since it’s still a small issue, I’m hoping to tackle it myself before it spreads. I’m trying to figure out the best DIY approach and what actually works in the early stages.

Some things I’m curious about:
Is vacuuming alone enough for a light infestation?
Should I focus more on fabrics, corners, or vents?
Any tips on preventing them from coming back?
How long does it usually take to see improvement?

Would love to hear what methods have worked for you all. Hoping to stop this before it becomes a bigger headache!

For small issues, vacuuming helps a lot more than people think. Just make sure to go slow and cover the edges of the room really well.

I’d check any wool or natural fiber items first. That’s where I found mine hanging out, especially under throw blankets and rugs.

If you’ve got vents nearby, take a peek inside. I found a couple hiding in the dust buildup, cleaned it out and didn’t see them return for weeks.

You might want to wash or heat-treat anything that’s portable. Even a quick hot dry cycle can take care of the little guys.

@CarpetCornerCarl Same here, vents were the sneaky spot. Once I cleared them out, the whole situation got way more manageable.

Prevention goes a long way. I sealed up some gaps around baseboards and didn’t realize how many tiny entry points there were.

Don’t forget to check storage bins. I found a few in one with sweaters I hadn’t opened in months.

If you’ve got pets, clean their bedding too. Mine seemed to be drawn to the fluff around my dog’s sleeping area.

@FuzzDetective Heat-treating was a game changer for me. Didn’t think it would make such a difference, but after doing that, the numbers dropped fast.

Give it a week or two of consistent cleaning and you should see progress. Small carpet beetle issues usually respond pretty quickly if you catch them early.