Carpet Beetles

     Carpet beetles are actually outdoor insects; however, once inside their larvae do damage to many foods and materials including furs, feathers, wool, synthetic materials, grains, seeds, cereals, plants, nuts, etc.

     Adult carpet beetles are 2 - 3 mm long.  They are grayish black with a white pattern on their back.  They have wings and they are able to fly.  The larvae look like yellowish or whitish aphids, and are between two and four mm long.

   Where do they come from?                                      

     Adult carpet beetles live on pollen and nectar from outdoor plants.  They may come into a home on cut flowers, or they may fly into a house.  If the carpet beetles find a suitable breeding spot, they will remain inside the home for this purpose.  Often they will breed in an old  wasp or bird nest stored in an attic. 

     Once inside, the larvae will feed on their surroundings and the adults will attempt to return outside.  Therefore, finding carpet beetles accumulated on an inside window sill is good evidence that they are breeding inside your home.

   What can I do to get rid of the problem?                      

     Step 1.  The primary food source for the larvae needs to be located and removed.  This will involve a thorough investigation of your house including the attic and basement (as mentioned above, an old wasp or bird nest may be housing the beetles).  It is a good idea to look under furniture, in cupboards, and in drawers and storage boxes.  The food source may be obscure, such as a piece of felt lining a drawer, accumulations of lint behind baseboards, or a trunk of stored woolens.

     Step 2.  Once the source is discovered and removed, the area around the breeding site should be thoroughly vacuumed.  Carpet beetles lay eggs, and these eggs must be removed to eliminate the problem. If the problem continues after a thorough vacuuming, it is time to call a professional.

   Can I prevent carpet beetles from coming into my home?                             

     No.  While it is not possible to prevent their entry, it is possible to reduce the chances of them breeding inside:

• Remove or destroy any old bird, wasp, rodent or insect nests in or around your home.  These old nests that are protected by your home are excellent breeding places for carpet beetles.

• Vacuum regularly.

• Clear away lint accumulations.

• Occasionally move furniture, drapes, rugs, etc. to disturb potential nesting sites and to aid in cleaning.

• Occasionally brush or dry clean susceptible clothing.