Carpet Beetles Extension

Four species of carpet beetles are of major concern in maine.

Carpet beetles extension.

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. 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. The best way to combat carpet beetles in homes is to reduce their food sources. Most dermestid beetles are scavengers that develop on materials of animal origin including dead insects pet hair lint woolen items furs and feathers.

Potter extension entomologist university of kentucky college of agriculture carpet beetles as their name implies sometimes infest carpets. They feed outdoors on pollen or not at all. Some are known as carpet beetles because they can feed on woolen carpets. The adults fly and some are attracted to lights and windows making.

Find more of our publications and books at extensionpubs umext maine edu. Carpet beetles are difficult to control because most times it is difficult to locate the origin of the infestation. 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 are common pests of fabrics.

For information about umaine extension programs and resources visit extension umaine edu. Adult carpet beetles do not damage fabrics. Black carpet beetle adult and larvae. Rooms should be cleaned often enough to prevent the accumulation of hair dander and other carpet beetle food materials.

Most important is the black carpet beetle which is black oval and less than 1 4 inch long.