These insect may be difficult to control. Beetles can fly and are frequently found near windows because they are attracted to light. Eggs are small and hard to spot and cocoons (pupae) are rarely noticed as they tend to blend in with the fabric. In areas around or behind furniture, accumulation of hair may provide ample food for this pest.Īlthough one may find beetles as well as larvae, we frequently see larvae brought to us as specimens. They will chew irregular holes in fabrics including wool carpeting, but often feed on the nap of the fabric without eating the base threads.Ī common food source for carpet beetles is pet hair. They may wander into areas away from where they feed. Most homeowners spot the larvae or beetles crawling along a surface somewhere. As stated above, they may also be found in food products including milled products such as pastas, cereals, nuts, etc. They will also feed on the fur left on animal carcasses such as from mice, rats or squirrels that may have died inside of a wall, below a floor or in the ceiling or in an attic. It is this stage of the insect that actually ingests the fabric or other food.Ĭarpet beetle larvae may damage carpeting, clothing, hair, fur and animal hides. Inspection commonly reveals either live larvae or sometimes cast skins of the larvae. There may be tail bristles (hairs) visible at the back of the insect as well. They are quite hairy and are striped tan and white in color. Larvae of the Black Carpet Beetles are fairly distinctive. Carpet beetles go through complete metamorphosis which includes egg, larvae (crawling stage), pupae (cocoon) and adult (beetle). The other three, though about the same size, will have a variety of different wing color patterns and are somewhat more oval in shape. The adult Black Carpet Beetle, is black in color and oblong shaped and ranges in size from 1/8" up to 3/16" in length. There are two groups of Carpet beetles: the Black Carpet Beetles and Varied, Common and Furniture Carpet Beetles. They may enter through improperly sealed or improperly screened doors and windows or through other cracks or crevices, but due to their small size, sealing them out is completely is difficult. Carpet beetles occur naturally outdoors and then make their way into buildings. Though these insects will do damage to fabric, they known to be a pest in food products as well. We continue to receive many calls us about this insect and we see an upward trend in their appearance in homes and businesses.
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