Carpet Beetles

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Last revised: 6 October 2008








Description

There are several species of carpet beetles including the two-spot carpet beetle and the variegated carpet beetle; the adult beetle is around 4½ - 7mm in length.

Normally it is the larvae of the carpet beetle that is found in the home and these are more commonly known as “Woolly Bears”.

The larvae are brown and hairy and are 4-5mm long and will roll up into a ball when disturbed.

Distribution

The carpet beetle is commonly found throughout Europe and Britain and the adults feed on pollen and nectar during the summer.

They occur naturally in dry birds nests, which can be found in lofts. They can also be found in domestic situations in carpets, stuffed animals and clothing.

Life cycle

The carpet beetle has a ‘complete’ life cycle and begins life as an egg, which is laid in a batch of 50-100 eggs, which are 1.5mm in size.

The eggs hatch after approximately 14 days and become larvae (woolly bears). The larvae can survive long periods of starvation.

The larvae lives for 6-26 weeks going through several moults before they pupate into the last larval skin which is pale yellowish in colour before they become adults.

The pupation period takes 3-20 days before the adult beetle emerges; adult beetles live for around 11 weeks.

Significance

This species is significant in domestic properties where they cause damage to fabrics which the larvae eat.

Control Methods

Heavily infested materials should be disposed of and heavily infested areas cleaned thoroughly, concentrating on cracks and crevices. A residual insecticide should be applied to the area.

The Council does not treat for Carpet Beetle infestations and for professional treatment you should approach an independent pest Control Company, details of which can be found in local telephone directories and Yellow Pages.