Carpet beetles

How to recognize carpet beetles

Most adult carpet beetles are 2 to 5 mm in length, with very short, club-shaped antennae and chewing mouthparts. Carpet beetles are typically oval in shape and dark brown to black in color. Furniture and a variety of carpet beetles also have unique colored scales characteristic of this phylum. White and yellow scales cover the chest and body of furniture carpet beetles in distinct patterns. In addition, orange and red scales run along the midline of the beetles. A variety of carpet beetles have an irregular pattern of white, brown and dark yellow scales that fade to a solid black or brown color with age.

The shape and size of carpet beetle larvae vary depending on the species. However, most are elongated in shape with varying degrees of body hair tufting. The color varies from dark brown to light brown. Black carpet beetle larvae are covered with short, stiff hairs and have a bristly tail, and the various larvae are covered in dense tufts that rise vertically as a natural defense.

Signs of infection

Although carpet beetles cause the most damage in their larval stage, the first and most obvious sign of an infestation is the adult beetles on windowsills. Like moths, larvae can be detected by irregularly shaped holes found in carpets, fabrics, and the like. However, carpet beetles tend to eat one large area of ​​fabric, whereas moths leave tiny holes throughout the garment. In addition, carpet beetle larvae leave cast skins as they molt, which can cause allergic reactions and dermatitis in some particularly sensitive people.

Images of carpet beetles

How to Prevent a Carpet Beetle Infestation

Adult carpet beetles are often brought into homes through plants and flowers, so regularly checking gardens and flora around homes and buildings can eliminate the risk of infestation. Vacuuming away buildup of lint, hair, dead insects, and other debris helps remove the larvae's food sources and can also kill any beetles already nesting in your carpets. Checking window screens, doors and vents for strength, and removing cobwebs, dead animals in vents and attics, and various nests in and around buildings are also effective deterrents. Homeowners also benefit from frequent cleaning of carpets, draperies, upholstered furniture, closets and stored fabrics. In case of a severe carpet beetle infestation, it is recommended to call a qualified pest control professional.

Where do carpet beetles live?

As a rule, carpet beetle larvae prefer dark and secluded places. The insect often burrows in bird nests and other organic materials such as trees and animal carcasses while outdoors. Air ducts, collected lint, dry dog ​​food, wool, and stored grains or spices often serve as both a food source and hiding places while the larvae grow indoors. Black and common carpet beetles do not do as well in warmer temperatures and are more common in Europe, the northern US and Canada. While a variety of carpet beetles thrive further south, the insect thrives in any location with warm buildings. Adult carpet beetles prefer sunlight and inhabit gardens or other areas with a large number of plants.

How long do carpet beetles live?

Carpet beetles undergo a complete metamorphosis consisting of four distinct stages: egg, larva, pupa and adult. Females lay eggs directly on or near food sources for the larvae, such as carpets, furs, wool, cobwebs, animal carcasses, leather, and other protein-containing materials. Although the length of the period varies depending on the type of carpet beetle and the temperature, the eggs hatch on average within two weeks. The duration of the larval stage also depends on the type of carpet beetle and temperature. Common carpet beetle larvae take two to three months to pupate, various carpet beetle larvae can take up to two years, and black carpet beetle larvae develop the larval stage from six months to just under a year. Pupation of the beetles lasts about one to two weeks, and then the adults live for an average of two months.

F.A.Q.

Why do I have carpet beetles?

Adult carpet beetles prefer to be outdoors, but are often carried indoors on plants or flowers. They love to lay eggs in carpets, furs, wool, leather, bird nests, spider webs and animal carcasses, all of which can be found in or around your home.

When these eggs then hatch into larvae, they seek out dark, dry, secluded areas such as air ducts, collected lint, dry dog ​​food, fur, and stored grains or spices.

They provide shelter and food for the larvae until they pupate and become adult carpet beetles, which can take weeks to years, depending on the species.

How worried should I be about carpet beetles?

Carpet beetle larvae can leave irregular holes in carpets and fabrics, and can also eat through entire pieces of wool, silk, feathers and leather.

The bristly hairs of carpet beetle larvae can cause skin irritation. Meanwhile, when they shed, their dead skin can cause allergic reactions and dermatitis in sensitive people.

If you notice adult carpet beetles around your windows, it's usually a sign that there are eggs or larvae hidden somewhere in your home—and it's time to call a pest control professional.