Carpet Beetles
What do carpet beetles look like?
The carpet beetle grows from 1.7 mm to a maximum of 3.5 mm.
They have a round, spherical body. If observed under a microscope, you will find that a carpet beetle has fine, colored scales on its body. This forms a pattern of irregular colors on its back. The colors are mostly a combination of yellow, brown, and white patterns. Or solid black.
What do carpet beetles eat?
Carpet beetles will feast on household fabrics such as:
- Wool
- Silk
- Leather
- Fur
- Pet hair
- Feathers.
What is the life cycle of a carpet beetle?
Around 50-90 eggs are laid at a time close to a potential food source or a crevice to keep the eggs hidden from view. Larvae can mature in two months up to two years depending on environmental conditions. Most of the damage done to fabrics and decayed material inside structures is done in the larval stage. The beetles expire shortly after reaching adulthood.
Do carpet beetles bite?
Unlike bed bugs, carpet beetles don't bite living things. The irritation they cause is because of an allergy you have to their bodies. Some people are allergic to the hairs on carpet beetle larvae. Coming into contact with them causes itchy, raised welts or rashes.
Where can I locate the beetles?
- The edges of carpets
- Closets
- Inside the lining of clothing
- Under or inside furniture
- Air vents or ductwork
- Areas where birds or rodents have nested, such as attics or basements
What should I do?
Deep clean the house as often as possible. Sometimes with proper sanitation the beetles run their course and do not come back. If sanitation alone fails, then call a professional out for an inspection to try to locate the beetles' food source. Sometimes it's an open-shut case. Other times it's a highly nuanced situation.