An electric charge is produced when two pieces of material are rubbed together, such as silk and a glass rod, or when you comb your hair. Did you ever walk across a carpet and get a shock when you touch a metal doorknob. Your shoe soles built up a charge by rubbing on the carpet, and this charge was transferred to you and was discharged on the knob. These charges are called static electricity, and results when one material transfers its electrons to another. Even materials known as insulators (glass and rubber) can build up charges of electricity. Static electricity occurs quite often when there is low moisture and the weather is cold and dry. It stands to reason replacing the moisture would be a big help. Grounding is the best way of removing static electricity, but is not always practical. Placing humidifiers in heating systems can help. Even sometimes just placing water next to heating ducts can help. Moisture in the air will be absorbed by the carpet fibers.The moisture in the fibers will help to dissipate the electrical charge. There is also antistatic sprays that can be used. Newer carpets are being made with antistatic materials already in the fiber.