Carpet Beetle
Anthrenus scrophulariae, Linnaeus
Are your fresh flowers putting you at risk? Carpet beetles find their way into homes this way and build their nests in isolated areas. Once inside they lay eggs and damage carpets and furs.
RISK LEVEL:
LOW
MEDIUM
HIGH
Risk is defined as how much damage each pest can be to you, your family, or your home
- Survey your home for fresh flowers or foliage that may attract these pests.
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| Class: | Order: | Family: | |
| Insecta | Coleoptera | ||
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| Size: | Carpet beetle adults are about 1/16-1/8 in (2-3.8 mm) long; larvae are up to 1/4 in (4-5 mm) long |
| Color: | Carpet beetle adult is black; wing covers with an orange/red stripe down the middle, and variable pattern of whitish and orange/red oval scales. Larva is reddish brown, black/brown hairs. |
| Characteristics: | Adult is oval in shape, head is more or less hidden from above; compound eyes notched around inner margin; antenna short, with compact 3-segmented club (1 segment distinctly shorter than the other 2 ); underside of abdomen with black patches of scales on each side. Larva is stout, widest at rear, hairy. |
| Geographic Range: | Carpet beetles are found around the world, but especially in the northern U.S. |
| Food: | Carpet beetles eat wool, hair, bristles, horn, feathers, silk, furs, insect collections; dried plants, rye flour, wheat; carpet, clothing, fabrics; pollen and nectar during mating season. |
| Biology: | Female lays 30-60 eggs indoors on or in food material for larvae, usually in May or June. Eggs hatch in 10-20 days. Larvae take about 60-80 days to mature, in 6 stages (instars). Pupation takes place in last larval skin, lasting 1-2 weeks. Adult stays quiet in old larval skin for about 18 days, then is active for a few days' to one month's time. Outdoors 25% overwinter as larvae, 75% as adults in the old larval skins. In heated buildings adults may remain active through winter and the following spring. Development from egg to adult at room temperature is 77-110 days, but up to 2 years. |
Prevention Tips For
Fabric & Paper Pests
Fabric & Paper Pests
- Use dehumidifiers in moist areas to make conditions unfavorable for infestation
- Periodically inspect natural products such as linens, leather, etc for carpet beetles
- Keep natural clothing (linen, leather) in heavily zippered garment bags
- Use repellent materials in garment bags at all times
It only takes a few minutes to start protecting your home today.
Request a FREE inspection
Request a FREE inspection
