The average cost of professional carpet beetle extermination is around $250, depending on the size and type of infestation. Typically, most homeowners pay between $200 and $350 for professional services, although costs may be higher in certain areas or if additional treatments are necessary.
For minor infestations, the cost may be as low as $150 for a single insecticide application. In cases where the infestation is more severe or widespread, extermination can require additional treatments, such as heat treatment, which can cost up to $4,000.
It is important to note that carpet beetle extermination should not be attempted without professional help. Improperly done treatments can damage your carpeting or furniture and cost more in the long run.
In this article:
- Average Cost
- Cost Estimator by Home Size
- Other Factors That Affect Cost
- Related Services
- Carpet Beetle vs. Bed Bug Extermination Cost
- Pro Cost vs. DIY Cost
- Cost by Location
- FAQ
Average Cost to Exterminate Carpet Beetles
| National Average Cost | $250 |
| Typical Price Range | $200 – $350 |
| Extreme Low-End Cost | $150 |
| Extreme High-End Cost | $4,000 |
The carpet beetle is a major household pest, causing damage to carpets, furniture, and clothing. Professional exterminators typically charge between $200 and $350 for a complete treatment to address an infestation. Costs vary based on the severity of the problem. On average, the price of a carpet beetle extermination treatment is around $250 for a standard-size home.
Eliminating the pest problem may involve considerable expenses, especially when large populations are present. In such instances, an extermination company might charge as much as $4,000 for a comprehensive heat treatment of a wide area. Minor infestations typically require less extensive pest control treatments, costing less than $150.
Carpet Beetle Extermination Cost Estimator by Home Size
Carpet beetle infestations vary from home to home, and prices can vary significantly based on the size and scope of the problem. Professional exterminators typically charge based on the square footage that needs to be treated and the severity of the infestation.
Since carpet beetle extermination costs between $0.15 and $0.25 per square foot, a small area with a mild infestation may cost as little as $150 to treat. On the other hand, treatment for a residential home of 2,000 square feet with a severe infestation ranges from $300 to $500 per visit.
| Home Size (Or Area to Be Treated) | Average Cost Per Treatment |
| 1,000 sq. ft. | $150 – $250 |
| 1,500 sq. ft. | $225 – $375 |
| 2,000 sq. ft. | $300 – $500 |
| 2,500 sq. ft. | $375 – $625 |
| 3,000 sq. ft. | $450 – $750 |
Other Factors That Affect Cost
The cost of a carpet beetle extermination will depend on the severity of the infestation, the method of extermination chosen, and the frequency of treatments. In some cases, regular treatments may be necessary, while in other cases, a single treatment may be enough. Some extermination companies may provide discounts for larger jobs or charge more for smaller ones.
Extermination Method
The method used to eradicate carpet beetles will play a large role in the cost of extermination. Chemical treatments, such as spray insecticide, tend to be less expensive than heat treatments. Consult a professional to determine the best method for your situation.
Insecticide Treatment
Insecticide treatment is typically the most effective and economical way to deal with a carpet beetle infestation. Insecticide treatments cost around $150 to $200, depending on the chemicals used.
The cost can be higher if additional materials or follow-up treatments are needed. In some cases, the technician may also recommend that furniture be treated to ensure the complete elimination of the pest.
Pesticide Treatment
Pesticide treatment involves the use of chemical sprays that are designed to kill the beetles, their larvae, and other pests that may have brought carpet beetles into your home. This treatment ranges from $250 to $350, depending on the size of the infestation.
Generally, a pesticide treatment will last several weeks and may need to be repeated if the beetles are not completely eliminated. When it comes to pesticide treatment, it is important to remember that the chemicals used are highly toxic and should only be handled by a professional.
Heat Treatment
Heat treatment is the most expensive way to get rid of carpet beetles, with costs ranging from $1,700 to $4,000 for a wide area. Heat treatment uses high-temperature heaters to raise the temperature of an infested area rapidly. This effectively kills all stages of the beetle, including eggs and adult carpet beetles.
Level of Infestation
| Level of Infestation | Average Cost |
| Small | $150 – $200 |
| Medium | $200 – $300 |
| Large | $300 – $600 |
| Severe | $1,500 – $4,000 |
The severity of the carpet beetle infestation will also play a role in the cost of extermination. On average, mild cases will cost between $150 to $200, while more serious carpet beetle infestations can range from $300 to $600.
If many larvae are consuming natural fibers in the home, such as curtains, woolen items, or carpets, then more vigorous treatments are often necessary. Furthermore, if the carpet beetle problem has reached other areas of the home, like attics, closets, or upholstered furniture, it could cost up to $4,000 in total.
On the other hand, if the infestation is caught in its early stages and only a few carpet beetle larvae have been found, the cost will be lower.
Frequency of Treatment
Pest control professionals can help you determine which carpet beetle treatment option is best for your situation. Usually, the cost will depend on the frequency of treatments. For example, if you are dealing with a persistent infestation, you may need to have the area treated multiple times. In this case, costs will be higher.
| Frequency of Treatment | Average Cost Per Visit |
| Once | $250 – $400 |
| Quarterly | $100 – $300 |
| Monthly | $50 – $100 |
| Annually | $200 – $250 |
The average carpet beetle extermination cost can range from $250 to $400 for a one-time visit. After the initial visit, monthly visits typically start around $50 to $100 and may increase depending on the level of beetle activity.
If your pest professional recommends quarterly visits, you may need to budget around $100 to $300 per visit. This can add up quickly, so discussing the cost with your pest professional before treatment begins is essential.
Emergency Service
In some cases, an emergency extermination may be necessary to quickly and effectively eliminate a carpet beetle infestation. In these cases, the extermination cost can be much higher than an average visit. Emergency visits typically start around $330 and can go up to $550 or more, depending on the severity of the infestation.
Related Services
In addition to getting rid of carpet beetles, there are other services you may need to ensure your home is free from insects and other pests. These services include cleaning, sanitizing, and sealing any cracks or crevices in the house.
Cleaning and Sanitizing Services
A professional cleaning service costs between $135 and $350 on average, depending on the size and location of your home. Cleaning your house can help significantly in getting rid of carpet beetles. Professional cleaners can clean your carpets, upholstered furniture, and other infested areas with high-powered vacuums and steam cleaners.
This can help remove carpet beetle eggs, larvae, adult beetles, and other debris lurking in your carpets or furniture. Cleaning and sanitizing services can help reduce the number of pests and prevent future infestations.
Caulking Services
Caulking can seal up any cracks or crevices where pests, such as carpet beetles, may be entering your home. Prices for caulking services vary depending on the number of crevices that need to be sealed. On average, you can expect to pay around $1.50 to $4 per linear foot for professional caulking services.
General Pest Control
Pest control companies provide various services to eliminate other pests, such as spiders, cockroaches, bees, ants, bed bugs, and rodents. These services can range from one-time visits to regular treatments, depending on the extent of the infestation.
The cost of general pest control services varies greatly depending on the number of pests that need to be eliminated and the treatment method. Generally, an exterminator will charge anywhere from $150 to $550 per visit.
Inspection Services
The cost of a professional inspection ranges from $100 to $200, depending on the size of your home. Professional inspectors can identify and locate signs of carpet beetle activity and provide treatment recommendations. This is an essential step in determining the right course of action for eliminating any infestations.
Carpet Beetle Extermination vs. Bed Bug Extermination Cost
| Carpet Beetle Extermination Cost (Small Infestation) | $150 – $200 |
| Bed Bug Extermination Cost (Small Infestation) | $300 – $600 |
Carpet beetles look like bed bugs, so it’s easy to confuse the two if you spot one in your home. However, the methods for getting rid of carpet beetles and bed bugs are different, so it’s important to know the difference.
Bed bugs are more difficult to eliminate due to their rapid breeding cycles and wide range of hiding spots, requiring a much more comprehensive approach than carpet beetles. That means treatment for bed bugs costs more. To eradicate bed bugs, professional exterminators may use multiple methods, such as heat treatment, chemical treatments, and vacuuming.
Pro Cost vs. DIY Cost
| Pro Cost | $200 – $350 |
| DIY Cost (Boric Acid) | $10 – $40 |
The cost of professional carpet beetle control services is typically higher than DIY treatments. However, trying to address an infestation on your own is not recommended, as the wrong treatment or lack of expertise may worsen the problem or even cause damage to your home.
While minor infestations can be handled with natural DIY methods such as boric acid, professional treatment is recommended for more severe infestations. Professional exterminators have access to more powerful treatments, such as heat treatment, that can help eradicate infestations more quickly and efficiently.
Cost of Carpet Beetle Extermination by Location
The average cost for carpet beetle extermination services ranges from $200 to $350 nationwide. However, this cost can vary depending on your specific area.
Exterminators in large cities usually charge more due to the higher cost of living, whereas services in small towns and rural areas may be less expensive. For an accurate price estimate, consult with a local pest control specialist who understands your area’s climate and insect populations, as certain regions may require more extensive treatments.
FAQ About Carpet Beetle Extermination
Carpet beetles can be challenging to get rid of if they have taken hold in your home. Professional extermination services are the most effective way to eliminate an infestation, as they provide comprehensive treatment and preventative measures to ensure the problem does not return.
Carpet beetles can be found in various locations, including furniture, clothing, carpets, and other fabrics. The larvae are also known to feed on pet food and dead insects, so it is essential to sweep up dead bugs and pick up pet food when it isn’t mealtime.
The signs of a carpet beetle infestation include:
• Small bites or holes in fabrics
• Shed skins
• Irregularly shaped castings
You may also see the beetles crawling on surfaces or flying around your home.
The most common carpet beetles are varied carpet beetles, furniture carpet beetles, and black carpet beetles. All three of these species are capable of causing damage to fabrics and other materials in your home.
Carpet beetles typically lay eggs in dark, undisturbed areas such as baseboards, furniture, and clothing. The larvae then feed on fabrics, animal products, and other materials that contain keratin or protein, which can cause irreparable damage to your home.
Carpet beetles vary in size and appearance, but they all have an oval shape and are usually dark brown or black. The varied carpet beetle is the most common species, with a spotted pattern on its back. Furniture carpet beetles are larger than other varieties, while black carpet beetles are small and shiny.
When to Hire a Pest Control Pro
Carpet beetles can cause severe damage to fabrics and other materials in your home if left unchecked. Professional carpet beetle extermination services are the most effective way to get rid of an infestation, with prices ranging from $200 to $350 nationwide.
It is essential to consult a local pest control specialist who can provide the best advice for your specific area and climate. With the proper treatment, you can keep your home free from carpet beetles for good.
Main Photo by: Brian Tomlinson from Milton Keynes, UK / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
