Carpet Beetles Extension

Some are known as carpet beetles because they can feed on woolen carpets.

Carpet beetles extension.

Most dermestid beetles are scavengers that develop on materials of animal origin including dead insects pet hair lint woolen items furs and feathers. Black carpet beetle adult and larvae. For information about umaine extension programs and resources visit extension umaine edu. Find more of our publications and books at extensionpubs umext maine edu.

Rooms should be cleaned often enough to prevent the accumulation of hair dander and other carpet beetle food materials. Similar to clothes moths the pests also feed on many other items composed of wool fur felt silk feathers skins and leather. The best way to combat carpet beetles in homes is to reduce their food sources. They feed outdoors on pollen or not at all.

Four species of carpet beetles are of major concern in maine. 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. Carpet beetles are common pests of fabrics. Most important is the black carpet beetle which is black oval and less than 1 4 inch long.

Carpet beetles are difficult to control because most times it is difficult to locate the origin of the infestation. Adult carpet beetles do not damage fabrics. Potter extension entomologist university of kentucky college of agriculture carpet beetles as their name implies sometimes infest carpets. Carpet beetles download pdf.

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.