Carpet Beetles

Insects

Carpet beetles are a species of diminutive ladybird typically displaying a mottled palette of brown, grey, and cream hues.

Learn how to spot them!

They can be readily distinguished from the Fur Beetle as they are black with a single spot on each wing case. Carpet beetles are typically small, with adults measuring 2-4mm in length. Despite their diminutive size, they have swiftly emerged as one of the foremost pests confronting the British textile industry, surpassing even the Clothes Moth in significance.

Damage!

Just like with woodworm, it's not the beetles themselves that inflict harm; instead, it's their larval phase that wreaks havoc. During April, May, and even into June, adult beetles can be spotted seeking out places to deposit their eggs. They have a variety of nesting choices, spanning from abandoned birds' nests to felt, fabric, or gathered debris within structures.

Interesting Facts!

Size

Varied carpet beetles are spherical and approximately the size of a ladybird, measuring between 2 and 4mm in length. The larvae of a carpet beetle can reach a length of 4mm, shedding their skin as they mature. Typically adorned with brown hairs, they often coil into a ball when disrupted.

Features

They exhibit a variegated pattern of black, white, and gold. During spring and early summer, each female is capable of laying up to 100 eggs on furs, wool, and natural fibres. These eggs give rise to hairy, brown larvae, colloquially referred to as woolly bears.

Feeding

During their larval stage, carpet beetles consume feathers, fur, hair, and wool, often infiltrating airing cupboards and causing harm to garments, blankets, and other fabrics.

Activity

Larval carpet beetles are most active in October, hibernating over winter before pupating in early spring. As adults, they feed on nectar and pollen, drawn to light. The cycle repeats with the laying of new eggs. Adults live for one week to over a month.

Impact

While carpet beetles do not bite, they pose a significant threat compared to insects like bed bugs due to their destructive nature. They feed on natural fibres, making them particularly problematic for the textile industry because of the extensive damage they can cause. Not only textile businesses, but also homes, hotels, restaurants, schools, and hospitals – essentially any property with textiles – are vulnerable to infestations.

Control & Prevention

Contact Verida Pest Control today, and we’ll schedule a convenient time to conduct a no-obligation survey of your property. If your situation is urgent, just inform us, and we’ll respond promptly. Our team comprises fully trained, certified, and accredited specialists with extensive experience in addressing carpet beetle infestations.

The collective expertise of our experts has empowered them to efficiently manage and deter carpet beetle infestations across various locations.

Carpet beetle control services for commercial premises.

The economic consequences of carpet beetles can be significant and extend beyond just businesses. Inventory can suffer damage from the presence of carpet beetle larvae, and if these larvae find their way into customers’ homes, the damage can escalate. In the event of an infestation, premises must close temporarily for inspection, thorough cleaning, and repair of any damage before normal operations can resume.

Such downtime can result in substantial losses, underscoring the importance of our services in mitigating these risks and preserving revenue. We offer commercial clients proactive inspections and treatments to prevent infestations. Additionally, we employ natural pheromones to monitor and control outbreaks. With our assistance, you can rest assured that your business is shielded from potential future infestations.

For further guidance or to schedule a visit from our team, contact Verida today on 028 9691 6072.