What Are Carpet Bugs?

Carpet beetle larvae feed on natural fibers found in wool and cotton carpets.

Carpet beetles, also known as carpet bugs, include several different species of small beetles in the family of dermestids. Found in the carpets, closets and food storage areas of homes, they feed on natural fibers from plants and animals. The University of California warns that carpet beetles "cause serious damage to fabrics, carpets, furs, stored foods and preserved specimens." The ability to recognize and manage carpet bug infestations helps homeowners prevent damage to property.

Identification

Although several different species of carpet beetles invade homes, all adult carpet beetles feature small, oval-shaped bodies approximately 1/8 inch long. Colors range from patterns of white, brown, yellow and orange to solid gray or black. Larvae reach up to 1/2 inch in length with an elongated and tapered body featuring dark bands and tufts of red to brown hair.

Introduction to the Home

Adult carpet beetles usually feed on the pollen of plants, preferring crape myrtle, spiraea and other prolific pollen producing flowers. The adults enter the home on cut flowers or simply fly in during the spring. They are attracted to lights and may fly through open windows, attic vents or other openings in the home, according to Utah State University Extension. Larvae enter the home in old furniture, clothing and carpeting. The larvae also feed on pantry items and may come into the home in food items stored in a warehouse, such as dried dog food, grains, flour, dried fruit, powdered milk and spices.

Signs of Infestation

One of the first signs of a carpet beetle infestation is finding dead adults on window sills within the home. Larvae are often hard to locate. They tend to avoid the light and hide in folds, cracks and crevices. Cast skins and dead larvae are often found within damaged fabrics and furs.

Damage

The damage caused to the home is caused by the larvae of the carpet beetle. They feed on a wide variety of animal products, including wool, leather, boar bristles, pet hair, feathers and silk. Many species feed on plant products and fibers, such as pantry items or dried floral arrangements. Some species feed on both animal and plant products. They will not feed on carpets or furnishings created from synthetic fibers.

Life Cycle

The female carpet beetle lays eggs in dark, secluded places with larval food materials present. She has the potential of laying over 100 eggs and dies within a few days of laying eggs. Larvae hatch, feed on available food and remain in dark areas. If food becomes scarce during the larvae's developing stages, they can survive for several weeks without eating and travel considerable distances to find food, according to Colorado State University Extension. Depending on the quality of food and the species of beetle, the larvae reach maturity in two to 11 months. The larvae then undergoes a pupal stage and emerge as adult carpet beetles. Females begin laying eggs approximately one week after emergence.

Control

Prevent carpet beetle infestations from beginning by properly cleaning and storing woolens, furs, quilts and other fabric materials. Use moth balls and cedar products when storing materials for a long period of time. Rotate dried goods and pantry items on a regular basis, using the oldest products first. Heat treatments and cold treatments of food items help kill any insects. The University of Kentucky recommends routine vacuuming to remove carpet beetles and larvae from the carpet, as well as hair and dander food sources. Insecticide treatments commonly used for the control of carpet beetles contain permethrin, bendiocarb, allethrin, diazinon or chlorpyrifos.

References

• University of California; Carpet Beetles; April 2001
• Utah State University Extension; Carpet Beetles; Dr. Jay B. Karren, et al.
• University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension; Fabric Pests; Barb Ogg
• Colorado State University Extension; Carpet Beetles; W.S. Cranshaw; January 2008
• University of Kentucky; Carpet Beetles; Mike Potter; September 1992

Resources

• Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences: Black Carpet Beetle
• Environmental Protection Agency: IPM for Clothes Moths and Carpet Beetles in Schools