Spotlight on the Varied Carpet Beetle
The varied carpet beetle (Anthrenus verbasci) may be small, but it’s a pest that can cause big problems in homes, museums, and businesses. Known for their ability to feed on a variety of organic materials, these beetles can damage fabrics, taxidermy, dried plant products, and even food items. In this spotlight, we’ll cover what you need to know about identifying, preventing, and managing this common pest.
What Does the Varied Carpet Beetle Like?
Adult varied carpet beetles are tiny, measuring around 2-3 mm long. They have a distinctive rounded, dome-shaped body with a pattern of yellow, white, and black scales on their backs. Over time, these scales can wear off, making older beetles appear more solid brown or black.
The larvae often called “woolly bears”, are carrot-shaped, covered in dense bristles, and reddish-brown in color. They are responsible for most of the damage, as they feed on natural fibers and stored products.
Where is the Lifecycle of the Varied Carpet Beetle?
Understanding the life cycle of the varied carpet beetle can help in preventing and managing infestations. Their development includes the following stages:
Egg Stage: Female beetles lay 40-100 eggs in hidden areas such as cracks, stored fabrics, or air ducts. The eggs hatch in about 7 to 35 days, depending on temperature and humidity.
Larval Stage: The damaging larval stage can last anywhere from two months to over a year. Larvae molt multiple times as they grow, and they actively avoid light, seeking out secluded spaces with an abundance of natural fibers or other organic material.
Pupal Stage: Once fully developed, larvae pupate in their last molted skin or hidden in crevices. This stage lasts one to two weeks, after which they emerge as adults.
Adult Stage: Unlike larvae, adult varied carpet beetles do not cause damage. They feed on pollen and nectar, mate, and lay eggs to continue the cycle. Adults can live several weeks and are attracted to light.
Why Are Varied Carpet Beetles a Problem?
Varied carpet beetles are notorious for infesting:
Wool, silk, and fur – They feed on keratin; a protein found in natural fibers.
Taxidermy and museum specimens – Making them a major concern for conservationists.
Stored foods and grains – They can sometimes be found in dried pet food, flour, or cereal.
Air ducts and attics – They thrive in undisturbed areas, feeding on dead insects and animal remains.
How Do Varied Carpet Beetles Get Inside?
Carpet beetles are expert invaders, often entering through windows, doors, or vents in the spring as they seek out food sources. Adults are attracted to light and flowers, so they may also hitch a ride indoors on cut plants or bouquets. Once inside, they lay eggs in dark, undisturbed areas where food sources are plentiful.
How to Prevent and Manage a Varied Carpet Beetle Infestation
Regular Cleaning: Frequent vacuuming and dusting can help remove larvae, eggs, and food sources.
Proper Storage: Store woolens, furs, and other vulnerable fabrics in airtight, sealed containers.
Pheromone Traps: These traps can help detect adult beetles and monitor for activity.
Inspect Infested Areas: Check baseboards, air vents, closets, and attics for signs of larvae and adult beetles.
Freezing and Heat Treatments: Like clothes moths, carpet beetles can be eliminated with extreme cold or heat.
Protect Your Belongings with Insects Limited
At Insects Limited, we specialize in monitoring and prevention solutions for textile and stored product pests. Whether you’re dealing with an active infestation or want to stay ahead of the problem, our pheromone traps and expert guidance can help.
Insects Limited, an Insect Pheromone Company
Insects Limited, Inc. researches, tests, develops, manufactures and distributes pheromones and trapping systems for insects in a global marketplace. The highly qualified staff also can assist with consultation, areas of expert witness, training presentations and grant writing.
Insects Limited, Inc. specializes in a unique niche of pest control that provides mainstream products and services to protect stored food, grain, museum collections, tobacco, timber and fiber worldwide. Please take some time to view these products and services in our web store.
