What do carpet beetles do

Colour ranges from dark brown to light brown. Black carpet beetle larvae are covered with short, stiff hairs and have a bristle-like tail, and the varied larvae are covered with dense tufts, which extend upright as a natural defense. Though carpet beetles cause the most damage during the larval stage, the first and most apparent sign of infestation is adult beetles on windowsills. Similar to moths, larvae can be detected by irregular holes found in carpets, fabric, and the like.

However, carpet beetles tend to eat a single, large area of a fabric whereas moths create tiny holes all over garments. Additionally, carpet beetle larvae leave cast skins while molting, which may cause allergic reactions and dermatitis in some highly sensitive individuals. Adult carpet beetles are often carried into houses via plants and flowers, so regularly checking gardens and flora around homes and buildings may eliminate the risk of infestation. Cleaning out collections of lint, hair, dead insects, and other debris by vacuuming helps remove the food sources of larvae and may also kill any beetles already nesting in carpets.

Checking window screens, doors, and vents for durability and removing spider webs, dead animals in vents and attics, and various nests inside and around buildings are effective deterrents, as well. Additionally, homeowners benefit from frequent cleanings of rugs, draperies, upholstered furniture, closets, and stored fabrics. If serious carpet beetle infestation occurs, calling a qualified pest professional is recommended.

Generally, 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, when outside. Air ducts, collected lint, dry dog food, wool, and stored grains or spices often serve as both food sources and shelters while larvae grow indoors. Black and common carpet beetles do not fare as well in higher temperatures and are more prominent in Europe, the Northern United States, and Canada.

While varied carpet beetles thrive further south, any place with warm buildings suits the insect. Adult carpet beetles prefer sunlight and populate gardens or other plant-heavy locations.

Carpet beetles undergo complete metamorphosis with four distinct stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Females lay eggs directly on or near larval food sources, such as carpets, furs, wool, spider webs, animal carcasses, leather, and other protein-containing materials. Though timespans vary based on the type of carpet beetle and the temperature, the eggs hatch within an average of two weeks.

The duration of the larval stage also depends on the type of carpet beetle species and temperature. Common carpet beetle larvae take between two and three months to reach pupation, varied carpet beetle larvae may need up to two years, and black carpet beetle larvae develop in the larval stage for six months to just under a year. Pupation for the beetles lasts around one to two weeks, and then adults live for an average of two months. Adult carpet beetles prefer to be in the open air, but are often carried into homes on plants or flowers.

Carpet beetles are known to infest a wide variety of household items. Wool carpet, oriental rugs and wool clothing items are common targets. Some beetles are attracted to animal hides on mounted trophies or the fur on the carcass of a dead animal that may have gotten trapped in your walls or chimney.

Dried flower arrangements and certain types of potpourri will provide a food source for carpet beetles. Some species of carpet beetles will feed on dry dog food, noodles, flour or meal. An ounce of prevention. Inspect the exterior of your home to be sure potential entry points are properly sealed and windows have tight-fitting screens.

Reducing the number of flowering plants outside your home will reduce food sources for these beetles. Where do carpet beetles come from and how do carpet beetles get in your house? If exposed to beetles, untreated animal skins, fur clothes, woolen rags, etc. Be sure to clean out-of-season items before storing.

Checking items that have not been used for several months helps prevent severe damage. Clothes that were worn or soiled, e. Dry cleaning kills the pests in all stages of development; washing is also helpful, as is using a clothes dryer. Placing clothes in tight plastic bags or trunks helps to discourage beetles, but is not always effective.

Napthalene mothballs or flakes are a fair preventive. Paradichlorobenzene flakes are better because they also have some insecticidal effect.

Do not count on cedar closets or chests to keep moths or carpet beetles from damaging garments. Moth-proof the garments. Vacuuming upholstered furniture, carpets and carpet pads especially edges of carpets and near mop boards , and hard to reach areas under furniture may also lessen the degree of an infestation. Do not overlook lint in isolated areas like heat ducts and attics. Beetles can survive on foods caught under sinks and behind refrigerators.

Pet foods can also sustain a carpet beetle infestation. Be aware of what is stored in attics. Anything beetles can feed on that was not treated with an insecticide and lies in an undisturbed place attracts the pests.

Even felts in pianos and lined instrument cases have been destroyed. Check rodenticide baits D-con, Havoc, etc. These baits do not kill insects that feed on them. There are two kinds of clothes moths that prefer the same foods as carpet beetles.