Tiny Varied Carpet Beetle

They are so small they are often overlooked.

Tiny varied carpet beetle.

Food and sweat stains on fabrics can attract carpet beetles. The varied carpet beetle anthrenus verbasci is a 3 mm long beetle belonging to the family dermestidae they are a common species often considered a pest of domestic houses and particularly natural history museums where the larvae may damage natural fibers and can damage carpets furniture clothing and insect collections. Their larvae however can become pests inside homes universities and museums. Adult varied carpet beetles are small 3 5 millimeters or about an eighth of an inch rounded beetles with dark colored or patterned wing covers depending on the species.

Adult carpet beetles are small and often appear speckled or mottled. Larvae young carpet beetles are 1 8 to 1 4 inch long and. They are attracted to sunlight. Threats varied carpet beetles feed on dead insects but also feed on upholstery and carpet so they can damage those materials.

Larvae are similarly sized and have a tapered body. When carpet beetle adults are found indoors they are typically seen near windows on sills drapes or window panes. Clean carpet beetle prone areas frequently. They have zig zag bands of yellow white brown and black on their wing coverings.

Larvae are about 1 8 to 1 4 inch long tan to brownish in color slow moving and densely covered with hairs or bristles. In older adults the scales that form this pattern wear off so the beetles appear solid brown or black. Adult varied carpet beetles can be found outdoors where they feed on pollen from a variety of flowers. The larvae appear to be hairy little worms and can be found on or near carpets clothing and in some instances dried food products.

In a few weeks the tiny eggs laid by adult beetles hatch into the fabric consuming larvae. Vacuuming carpeting and washing your clothes and other fabrics frequently at least once every 2 or so weeks is the best way to prevent a carpet beetle infestation. Treat spills and stains immediately as well. Verbasci was also the first insect to be shown to have an.

The adult varied carpet beetle anthrenus verbasci is about 1 10 inch long and black with an irregular pattern of white brown and dark yellow scales on its wing covers. There are about 500 to 700 species worldwide but there are only 4 that you are likely to come across. The adults are 1 16 to 1 8 inch long and oval shaped. Varied carpet beetles are found in homes in attics oriental carpets tapestries and wood based wall to wall carpeting.

Carpet beetle is the colloquial name for dermestidae which is a family of coleoptera.