If you spot what look like maggots with brown hairs in your carpets you have woolly bears (this sounds revolting but they’re fairly common). As they hatch they gorge on the pile, leaving holes behind in the same way as clothes moths do.

You should also check your clothes in wardrobes and chests of drawers. Wash or dry clean anything affected and vacuum carpets thoroughly (and empty the bag straight away).

Treat with Rentokil Insectrol Dust for Carpet Beetle from hardware shops. To stop them coming back, keep the place clean and dust-free under and behind furniture.