The larvae (known as “woolly bears”) of these small, oval beetles have outstripped the clothes moths as the major British textile pest. The Carpet Beetle is 2 to 4mm long, like a small, mottled brown, grey and cream ladybird. The related Fur Beetle is black with one spot on each wing case, and there is a rarer Black Carpet Beetle.
The adult Carpet Beetle feeds only on pollen and nectar of garden flowers but lays its eggs in old birds’ nests, felt, fabric or accumulated fluff in buildings. It is the larvae from these eggs that do the damage. They feed on feathers, fur, hair, or wool and tend to wander along the pipes from roofs into airing cupboards – which house the clothes and blankets which constitute the food.
The life cycle takes about a year, and the grubs can survive starvation in hard times for several months. Carpet beetle damage consists of fairly well-defined round holes along the seams of fabric where the grubs bite through the thread.
Consider using a professional company as these pests can cause significant damage. We are trained and experienced in identifying Carpet beetle damage and assessing what needs to take place as a treatment. We recommend vacuum cleaning all fluff and debris from airing cupboards, shelves, floorboards, carpets and upholstery. Lift carpets and underlay and clean floor and carpet thoroughly. We will also check the loft and eaves for any old birds nests which will need removing. The next step is to follow all that up with an insecticidal spray to prevent future infestations.
Click here to enquire about EnviroShield carpet beetle pest control services.
EnviroShield Pest Management - Bishops Stortford 