Carpet Beetle Control Extension

Carpet beetles are difficult to control because most times it is difficult to locate the origin of the infestation.

Carpet beetle control extension.

The pests can also proliferate on bird nests animal carcasses and dead insects cluster flies lady beetles stink bugs wasps etc which tend to be associated with attics chimneys basements and light fixtures. The black carpet beetle usually lays 90 eggs more than either of the other two carpet beetles. It is the larva or immature stage of these insects that cause damage to fabrics fur feathers or virtually anything made of animal fibers. Their body tapers toward the rear and ends in a tuft of long hairs.

Black carpet beetle adult and larvae. Carpet beetle adults are about 1 8 inch long. Carpet beetles feed on animal and plant substances such as wool fur feathers hair hides horns silk velvet felts and bone as well as seeds grain cereals cake mixes red pepper rye meal and flour. Rooms should be cleaned often enough to prevent the accumulation of hair dander and other carpet beetle food materials.

Adult carpet beetles do not damage fabrics. Some adult carpet beetles are dull black with brown legs. They may grow to be 1 4 to 1 2 inch long. Some are known as carpet beetles because they can feed on woolen carpets.

In california and other arid areas the black carpet beetle is a more serious pest for stored products e g grains flours cereals than a fabric pest. Carpet beetles can also thrive on lint hair and debris accumulating under baseboards and inside floor vents and ducts. The best way to combat carpet beetles in homes is to reduce their food sources. Most dermestid beetles are scavengers that develop on materials of animal origin including dead insects pet hair lint woolen items furs and feathers.

The adults fly and some are attracted to lights and windows making. They feed outdoors on pollen or not at all. Other adults are mottled with white brown yellow or black. Carpet beetles are common pests of fabrics.