Carpet Beetles Extension

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Carpet beetles extension.

Find more of our publications and books at extensionpubs umext maine edu. Carpet beetles are difficult to control because most times it is difficult to locate the origin of the infestation. Carpet beetles are common pests of fabrics. Most dermestid beetles are scavengers that develop on materials of animal origin including dead insects pet hair lint woolen items furs and feathers.

Some are known as carpet beetles because they can feed on woolen carpets. They feed outdoors on pollen or not at all. The adults fly and some are attracted to lights and windows making. Adult carpet beetles do not damage fabrics.

Black carpet beetle adult and larvae. Rooms should be cleaned often enough to prevent the accumulation of hair dander and other carpet beetle food materials. Other substances include powdered milk dog and cat food leather book bindings dead insects bird and rodent nests and even cotton linen rayon and jute especially when stained. Four species of carpet beetles are of major concern in maine.

The best way to combat carpet beetles in homes is to reduce their food sources. Similar to clothes moths the pests also feed on many other items composed of wool fur felt silk feathers skins and leather. Dermestid beetles are common insects that likely can be found in most any home in colorado. Most important is the black carpet beetle which is black oval and less than 1 4 inch long.

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.