Carpet Beetle

Carpet Beetle (Anthrenus Verbasci)

Features/Biology

Adult carpet beetles live predominantly outdoors and fly inside (via open windows/doors) to lay eggs that hatch into larvae. These larvae are known as “the woolly bear” because of their woolly/hairy appearance.

Problems/Risks

Carpet beetle attacks a range of natural textiles/products, including wool, silk, animal products and cereal based food products. They are particularly destructive to homes and museums if an infestation is left untreated. The larvae and the beetle can cause extensive damage to carpets , fabrics etc. It can be difficult to identify the food source, as carpet beetle have such a varied diet.

Recommended treatment

Similar to textile moth, it is necessary to clean the affected area as much as possible, while also carrying out a minimum course of 2 sprays with an insecticide.

Note: In contrast to the common clothes moth, there are currently no pheromone traps available to attract and capture the carpet beetle.