Carpet Beetles
Carpet Beetles are a
fairly common pest. We receive many calls us about this
insect. Though these insects will do damage to fabric,
they may be a pest in food products as well. Carpet
beetles occur naturally outdoors and come into building
from there. They may enter through improperly sealed or
improperly screened doors and windows.
There are two
basic groups of Carpet Beetles: the Black Carpet Beetles
and Varied, Common and Furniture Carpet Beetles. The
adult Black Carpet Beetle, as the name suggests, is black
in color and oblong shaped and ranges in size from 1/8" up
to 3/16" in length. The other three, though about the
same size, will have a variety of different wing color
patterns and are somewhat more oval in shape. Carpet
Beetles go through complete metamorphosis which includes
egg, larvae (crawling stage), pupae (cocoon) and adult
(beetle).
Larvae of
Carpet Beetles are fairly distinctive. They are quite
hairy and are striped tan and white in color. There may
be tail bristles (hairs) visible at the back of the insect
as well. Inspection commonly reveals either live larvae
or sometimes cast skins of the larvae. It is this stage
of the insect that actually ingests the fabric or food.
Finding
Evidence
Carpet Beetle
larvae may damage carpeting, clothing, hair, fur and
animal hides. They will also feed on dead animal
carcasses. As stated above, they may also be found in
food products including milled products such as pastas,
cereals, nuts, etc.. Most homeowners spot the larvae
crawling along a surface somewhere. They will wander
about in areas away from where they feed. They will chew
irregular holes in fabrics including carpeting, but often
feed at the nap of the fabric without eating the base
threads.
A common food
source for carpet beetles may be pet hair. In areas
around or behind furniture, accumulation of pet hair may
provide ample food for this pest
Although one
may find beetles as well as larvae, we frequently see
larvae being brought to us as specimens. Cocoons are
rarely found as they tend to blend in with the fabric,
making them difficult to spot.
Dealing
with the Problem
These
insect may be difficult to control. You can discard
affected items or have them dry cleaned as needed. If a
significant number of garments have been affected, ask the
dry cleaner about a bulk rate. Removal of pet hair or fur
with thorough vacuuming is helpful in reducing possible
food sources for the larvae. Carpeting may be dry cleaned
as well. You may want to dispose of the vacuum bag
afterward as a precaution.
Back
|
.jpg)
