Tiny Varied Carpet Beetle

Clean carpet beetle prone areas frequently.

Tiny varied carpet beetle.

In a few weeks the tiny eggs laid by adult beetles hatch into the fabric consuming larvae. In older adults the scales that form this pattern wear off so the beetles appear solid brown or black. They are attracted to sunlight. The adults are 1 16 to 1 8 inch long and oval shaped.

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. Carpet beetle is the colloquial name for dermestidae which is a family of coleoptera. The larvae appear to be hairy little worms and can be found on or near carpets clothing and in some instances dried food products. Food and sweat stains on fabrics can attract carpet beetles.

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. They are so small they are often overlooked. Larvae are about 1 8 to 1 4 inch long tan to brownish in color slow moving and densely covered with hairs or bristles.

These are the black carpet beetle the common carpet beetle the varied carpet beetle and the furniture carpet beetle. They range in color from black to speckled with white brown yellow and orange. Their larvae however can become pests inside homes universities and museums. Larvae young carpet beetles are 1 8 to 1 4 inch long and.

They have zig zag bands of yellow white brown and black on their wing coverings. Treat spills and stains immediately as well. There are about 500 to 700 species worldwide but there are only 4 that you are likely to come across. Adult varied carpet beetles can be found outdoors where they feed on pollen from a variety of flowers.

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. The adult beetles are small and usually black to dark brown in color but damage is actually caused during their larval stage. Varied carpet beetles are found in homes in attics oriental carpets tapestries and wood based wall to wall carpeting. When carpet beetle adults are found indoors they are typically seen near windows on sills drapes or window panes.

Threats varied carpet beetles feed on dead insects but also feed on upholstery and carpet so they can damage those materials.