Carpet Beetles Extension

It is the larva or immature stage of these insects that cause damage to fabrics fur feathers or virtually anything made of animal fibers.

Carpet beetles extension.

Carpet beetles are common pests of fabrics. Four species of carpet beetles are of major concern in maine. The adults fly and some are attracted to lights and windows making. Adult carpet beetles do not damage fabrics.

Some are known as carpet beetles because they can feed on woolen carpets. 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. Dermestid beetles are common insects that likely can be found in most any home in colorado.

For information about umaine extension programs and resources visit extension umaine edu. Carpet beetles are difficult to control because most times it is difficult to locate the origin of the infestation. 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. Most important is the black carpet beetle which is black oval and less than 1 4 inch long.

Similar to clothes moths the pests also feed on many other items composed of wool fur felt silk feathers skins and leather. Black carpet beetle adult and larvae. Potter extension entomologist university of kentucky college of agriculture carpet beetles as their name implies sometimes infest carpets. 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.

They feed outdoors on pollen or not at all.