Carpet Beetles - Advice for identifying and controlling

What do they look like?

The adult Carpet Beetle is 2 to 4mm long and has a black wing casing which is mottled with patches of white and pale yellow.  The larvae (known as woolly bears) are about 4mm long, covered in brown hairs and tend to roll up when disturbed.

How do you spot them?

As the larvae grow, they moult and the old cast-off skins may be the first sign of infestation.  Adults are often seen in April, May and June when they are seeking egg-laying sites; and the grubs are most active in October before they hibernate.

How do they affect humans?

Carpet beetles do not carry germs or spread disease and their presence does not constitute a risk to health.  However, the larvae from the eggs feed on feathers, fur, hair or wool and can also feed on clothes and blankets causing considerable damage.

The Life Cycle

An adult female will produce up to 100 creamy white eggs and deposit them in cracks and crevices.  Within four weeks the eggs hatch and the larvae (woolly bears) start feeding.  They moult several times before pupating and their life is normally sixty-seventy days, but it may increase or decrease depending on temperature, humidity and diet.  The adult lives for up to six weeks during which time it searches for pollen, nectar and for egg laying sites.

How do you control them?

• Check the loft and eaves for old birds' nests or dead birds and remove them.
• Vacuum all fluff and debris from airing cupboards, shelves, floorboards, carpets and upholstery.
• Lift carpets and underlay and clean underneath carefully.
• If materials are heavily infested they should be removed and destroyed.