Carpet Beetles

Description

The larvae of four species of Carpet Beetle may cause serious damage to materials of animal origin such as wool, fur, hair, feathers, and brushes made from animal bristles.

A. Black Carpet Beetle

This is generally recognized to be the most destructive of the Carpet Beetles and may be the single most destructive pest of woolen fabrics in Ontario. It is a cosmopolitan insect and, in addition to wools and materials of animal origin, will feed on a variety of plant products as well as dead insects, leather and milk powders. These beetles can survive on lint behind furniture or in cold air registers.

B. Common Carpet Beetle

This beetle causes serious damage as a fabric pest. It has been known to complete development from egg to adult in as little as 78 days or as long as 439 days. The average time for completing its life cycle is about three months. One male and female pair of Carpet Beetles is capable of producing thousands of offspring in a year.

C. Varied Carpet Beetle

This insect has been known on the North American continent for at least 100 years. It feeds commonly on wool, hair and feather products. As a scavenger it infests frequently birds' nests and insect collections, it has been reported as damaging various horn materials and leather bookbindings. As a wool pest this insect appears to cause a considerable amount of damage in Ontario. The Varied Carpet Beetle usually has one generation per year, with the female laying only 30 to 100 eggs, its potential capacity for increase is limited.

D. Furniture Carpet Beetle

This is an introduced pest, first recognized in North America in 1911. It has spread throughout the continent and according to some reports is on the increase.

The life cycle of the Furniture Carpet Beetle may be completed in as little as three months, but can take as long as 14 months. Under average household conditions it has one or two generations per year. However, if conditions are favorable for development, this insect may increase rapidly, as it can have three or four generations per year, with females laying about 70 eggs at a time.

Development

Carpet Beetles lay soft white eggs on clothing, rugs and furniture in concealed places. The eggs hatch in eight to fifteen days in summer, with hatching taking a considerably longer time in colder temperatures.

Habits

The larvae of Carpet Beetles begin feeding as soon as they hatch. Feeding on wool, silk, carpets, felt, furs and other household furnishing, the larvae crawl from place to place and may be found in places where they do not feed. The larvae shun light and often are found behind radiators, air ducts, closet shelves, upholstered furniture or in dresser drawers.

Adult Carpet Beetles fly readily, are attracted to sunlight and are found sometimes on window sills. In spring some feed outdoors on flower pollen.

Spread

It has been reported that in some urban areas infestations are started by adult Carpet Beetles flying from house to house. Eggs and larvae may be carried into homes on articles containing wool or on other animal fibers and may be brought in on second-hand articles.

Carpet Beetles develop readily in cat and dog food because of the animal protein content.

Carpet Beetles breed and feed outdoors in such places as bird and rodent nests, abandoned Bee colonies and WASPS nests, and adults sometimes enter homes from these places.

Prevention of Damage

1. Inspection -- Avoid bringing used furniture, rugs, bedding and clothing into the house unless they are free from Clothes Moths and Carpet Beetles. Examine susceptible material stored in attics and cupboards for insect infestation.

2. Vacuum Clean -- Vacuum regularly under furniture and along baseboards. If possible, vacuum cold air registers periodically. Dead CLUSTER FLIES that often accumulate in attics are food for Carpet Beetles and should be vacuumed.

3. Sun & Brush -- Fabrics not used regularly should be brushed and hung on clothes lines in bright sun. Shaking and turning in about one hour are helpful as well.

4. Moth bags -- Place clothes not worn regularly in moth bags.

5. Trunks & Cedar Chests -- Place blankets, winter coats, etc. in tight containers after cleaning.