Household Pest Larvae Identification

eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.
A fumigator spraying.
Image Credit: Willbrasil21/iStock/Getty Images

Dealing with insect pests in the home becomes more difficult if you can't identify the creatures. The appearance of an immature, or larval, insect is quite different from its adult form. A close look at the bug for the presence of legs, along with its location within your home will help identify the pest so you can choose the appropriate method to eradicate it.

Advertisement

In the Pantry

Video of the Day

Beetles, flies and moths are common pantry pests. Beetle larvae, or grubs, typically have three pairs of legs, one on each segment of their thorax, behind a distinct head. The body is elongated, worm-like and smooth. Fly larvae, or maggots, are smooth, worm-like, legless creatures. Moth caterpillars have legs and often extra fleshy appendages called prolegs on their abdomen. Beetle pantry pests include grain, flour and larder beetles along with bean and rice weevils. Maggots are common in rotting food or trash. The Indian meal moth is usually found in dried pet food, nuts and seeds.

Advertisement

Video of the Day

On Furniture or Clothing

Carpet beetles larvae are 1/8 inch long, with tufts of hair. These and clothes moths are common around textiles in the home. Identify clothes moths by their distinct hiding case constructed of textile fibers and silk. Wood boring beetles are worm-like with enlarged heads and leave a pile of sawdust near wooden furniture and structures in the home.

Advertisement

references & resources

Report an Issue

screenshot of the current page

Screenshot loading...