Fact Sheets - Carpet Beetles
Pest Management Fact Sheet #5008
James F. Dill, Pest Management Specialist
Clay A. Kirby, Insect Diagnostician
Description & Biology
Four species of carpet beetles are of major concern in Maine. Most important is the BLACK CARPET BEETLE, which is black, oval and less than 1/4 inch long. The carrot-shaped larva (young or immature) is less than 1/2 inch long, reddish or golden brown with short hair on its body and a tuft of long hair at the end of its abdomen. Black carpet beetle larvae are more likely to feed on grains than other carpet beetles.
Because adults of the varied, common and furniture carpet beetles are similar in form and habits, they are grouped together here. These beetles are about 1/8 inch long and have a broadly oval appearance. There are minor differences in the 1/4 long larvae of these three pests.
The larval stage does most of the damage. Even though they are called carpet beetles, the larvae feed on many other items. Preferred foods include animal products, such as skins, furs, feathers, wool, hair and dead insects, but they also eat cotton to some extent. They are known to eat holes in yarns that are blends of wool and synthetic fibers. Because synthetics are not digestible, larvae need to eat more of each material to get enough wool to meet nutritional requirements. Consequently, great feeding damage occurs.
Adult beetles are good fliers and are attracted to light. Finding adult beetles on window sills is often the first sign of infestation. But by that time, the larvae have already damaged items.
Beetle infestation occurs in many ways. In warmer climates, the creatures apparently survive outside, providing a ready source for household infestation. In Maine, these insects are more likely to come into homes on clothes, cloth or almost anything that is brought indoors.
Carpet beetles are best controlled by professional pest control operators (exterminators). However, there are steps the homeowner can take to prevent or control the pests.
Good housekeeping helps prevent infestation and, more importantly, reveals infestations early before significant damage is done. It is wise to treat, wash or dry clean second hand clothes immediately upon bringing them home. If exposed to beetles, untreated animals skins, fur clothes, woolen rags, etc., are likely to be infested. Be sure to clean out-of-season items before storing. Checking items that have not been used for several months helps prevent severe damage. Clothes that were worn or soiled, e.g. socks, sweaters or slippers are more likely to hold sweat or food particles, making the garments more attractive to these pests.
Dry cleaning kills the pests in all stages of development; washing is also helpful, as is using a clothes dryer. Remember that woolens are damaged by temperatures above 100°F; temperatures in clothes dryers range from 160 to 210°F. Placing clothes in tight plastic bags or trunks helps to discourage beetles, but is not always effective. Napthalene mothballs or flakes are a fair preventive. Paradichlorobenzene flakes are better because they also have some insecticidal effect. Do not count on cedar closets or chests to keep moths or carpet beetles from damaging garments. Moth-proof the garments. Valuable furs are best in cold storage (45°F or lower).
Vacuuming upholstered furniture, carpets and carpet pads (especially edges of carpets and near mop boards), and hard to reach areas under furniture may also lessen the degree of an infestation. Do not overlook lint in isolated areas like heat ducts and attics.
Many homeowners know beetles can survive on foods caught under sinks and behind refrigerators, but they may overlook pet foods. Be aware of what is stored in attics. Anything beetles can feed on that was not treated with an insecticide and lies in an undisturbed place attracts the pests. Even felts in pianos have been destroyed. Check rodenticide baits (D-con, Havoc, etc.). These baits do not kill insects that feed on them.
There are two kinds of clothes moths that prefer the same foods as carpet beetles. Several other beetles resemble carpet beetles in color and shape, but these primarily attack dried fruits and grains. Items infested with larvae of these insects may be thought to be infested with carpet beetles. Because of this, it is very important to identify pests correctly and use appropriate control measures.
Using insecticides to control carpet beetles requires a thorough application in the proper places– wherever infestations might lurk. Insecticides that are registered for carpet beetle control are cyfluthrin, bifenthrin, deltamethrin, permethrin and tetramethrin Liquid or EC (emulsifiable concentrates), dusts and aerosol (pressurized) sprays are the usual insecticide formulations used.
A word of caution is in order: red dyes, even when used to make other colors, of some carpets may change color or stain when sprayed with some insecticide formulations. Check labels for such warnings! When you need to treat a carpet but do not know the potential for discolorations, treat a small, inconspicuous spot on the carpet with the insecticide. Check the test spot for discoloration or staining in a week or so. This color test is done at your own risk. When purchasing a carpet, document the discoloration (dye or staining) potential for future reference.
When Using Pesticides
ALWAYS FOLLOW LABEL DIRECTIONS!
Pest Management Office
491 College Avenue, Orono, ME 04473-1295
1-800-287-0279 (in Maine)
Information in this publication is provided purely for educational purposes. No responsibility is assumed for any problems associated with the use of products or services mentioned. No endorsement of products or companies is intended, nor is criticism of unnamed products or companies implied.
© 2010, 2013
Published and distributed in furtherance of Acts of Congress of May 8 and June 30, 1914, by the University of Maine Cooperative Extension, the Land Grant University of the state of Maine and the U.S. Department of Agriculture cooperating. Cooperative Extension and other agencies of the U.S.D.A. provide equal opportunities in programs and employment.
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