Carpet Beetle

Carpet beetles are found widely throughout Europe. There are several species of carpet beetle, including the two-spot carpet beetle (Attagenus pellio), the furniture carpet beetle (Anthrenus flaviceps) and the varied carpet beetle (Anthrenus verbasci).

Adult beetles live out of doors, but females fly to lay between 50 and 100 eggs indoors on food material. These eggs hatch into the larval stage commonly known as the "Woolly Bear". The larvae are about 5mm in length and covered in tufts of arrow headed bristles which give rise to the common name.

During this larval stage the larva has between five and twenty skin moults. The larvae can remain at the larval stage for over 100 days depending on food supply and temperature. Pupation into the adult form occurs during the last of these skin changes.

The adult beetles live on plants, feeding on pollen and nectar of e.g. Hogweed and Spirea. They enjoy bright warm conditions and cause no noticeable damage.

The larvae (Woolly Bears) feed on natural materials of animal origin such as bird nests and woollen carpets. During the long larval stage damage to clothing and furnishings made of natural fibres may be noticed. All natural fibres in the building should be examined to establish the extent of the infestation.

Signs of infestation

After the adult female has laid her eggs in the home she may be noticed in window boards attracted by the natural light, wanting to return to the plants and flowers outside which are her food source.

The larvae will be deep into their feeding material and are not sighted until very noticeable damage occurs to household furnishings. Cast larval skins may be evident, but will need in-depth inspection, as they are small and are usually in cracks and crevices. When checking for carpet beetle activity, it is important to lift and move as many of the items of furniture, furnishings and fabrics as possible, otherwise potential harbourages may be missed, and the infestation will quickly re-establish.

Control

The best way to avoid carpet beetle problems is through prevention. Routine and thorough vacuum cleaning effectively prevents carpet beetle infestastions. Also vacuum cleaning will remove hair and lint which could support future infestations. Particular attention while vacuuming should be paid to the edges of carpets, along skirting boards, underneath furniture and similar undisturbed areas where carpet beetles prefer to feed.

Insecticide applications can be carried out by a professional pest control company (preferrably a member of the BPCA) which will control a carpet beetle larvae infestation.