Carpet Beetles Extension

Potter extension entomologist university of kentucky college of agriculture carpet beetles as their name implies sometimes infest carpets.

Carpet beetles extension.

Most dermestid beetles are scavengers that develop on materials of animal origin including dead insects pet hair lint woolen items furs and feathers. The best way to combat carpet beetles in homes is to reduce their food sources. Carpet beetles download pdf. Rooms should be cleaned often enough to prevent the accumulation of hair dander and other carpet beetle food materials.

Find more of our publications and books at extensionpubs umext maine edu. 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. It is the larva or immature stage of these insects that cause damage to fabrics fur feathers or virtually anything made of animal fibers. The adults fly and some are attracted to lights and windows making.

Adult carpet beetles do not damage fabrics. Most important is the black carpet beetle which is black oval and less than 1 4 inch long. Four species of carpet beetles are of major concern in maine. Similar to clothes moths the pests also feed on many other items composed of wool fur felt silk feathers skins and leather.

Carpet beetles are common pests of fabrics. Carpet beetles are difficult to control because most times it is difficult to locate the origin of the infestation. Dermestid beetles are common insects that likely can be found in most any home in colorado. They feed outdoors on pollen or not at all.

Black carpet beetle adult and larvae.