Carpet Beetles

The adult Carpet Beetle is approximately 2-3mm in length, oval in shape, with a speckled appearance caused by a covering of white, brown, black and pale yellow scales

The Carpet Beetle larva is approximately 4-5mm in length, brown in colour with white bands and covered in short hairs.

Where do they live?

During the summer months, the adult beetles live outdoors, feeding on pollen and nectar. In the autumn the beetles will wander or fly into buildings in search of food and hibernation sites, there they will lay eggs on materials of animal origin. The resulting larvae feed on these materials for several months until they are fully grown. They then pupate (usually in the spring), and emerge as adult beetles about 10 days later.

What do they eat?

The larvae require a diet high in animal proteins, and will feed on woollen carpets and clothing, animal furs, skins and leather. They are often found in birds nests where they feed on feathers or droppings.

Pest Status:

The larvae can cause significant damage to woollen carpets and clothing, and other household items of animal origin.

The larvae are serious pests of stuffed animals in museum collections.

Control Measures:

Hygiene - Infested areas should be thoroughly vacuumed, paying particular attention to cracks and crevices. Old birds nests in lofts and eaves should be removed.

Insecticidal Control - An insecticide suitable for the treatment of crawling insect pests should be supplied to the infested area, paying particular attention to cracks and crevices, and items such as woollen carpets which may be food sources for the larvae.

When using a pesticide on a fabric, a small area should be tested before a full treatment is carried out.

When using pesticides always follow the instructions on the label!

For more information on carpet beetle pest control please download the leaflet on the right of this page.