Carpet Beetles
Why Are They a Problem?
At one time, before synthetic fibres became popular, they were common pests infesting wool carpets. However, they still damage furniture, clothing, shoes, natural fibre rugs and other goods. The brown, bristly larvae do the damage. Therefore, if you find any larvae inside the house, it is a good idea to search cupboards, closets and under rugs in order to find the source of the infestation. The larvae like to develop in dark, undisturbed locations, and their sand-like feces pellets can sometimes be seen in carpets.
Carpet Beetle Biology
The carpet beetle undergoes complete metamorphosis starting as an egg, into a larva, then into a pupa, and finally into an adult. The larvae will do the most damage to stored food or fabrics. A female can lay as many as 90 eggs in the lint under and behind baseboards, in cracks and in ducts, or in any other protected place.
How to Prevent Invasions & Infestations
- Washing, dry cleaning or freezing clothing.
- Thoroughly brush and vacuum, around and under, furniture and rugs.
- Larder beetles particularly like to infest pet food and other high-protein foods such as cheese and meat. Keep these types of foods in the refrigerator or tightly covered containers and take similar steps as you would to help prevent flour moths.
Recommended Treatment
Evidence of an infestation may be the presence of adult beetles flying near the windows. Look for the source of the infestation behind baseboards, in the cracks of floors, behind radiators or in air ducts of heating systems.