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  • Carpet Beetle Beetles

    Carpet Beetle
  • Carpet Beetle
  • Carpet Beetle
  • Carpet Beetle
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Elimination

We see that the larvae are causing the damage in the house. That is why it is strongly suggested to vacuum or sweep the floor often and to air out clothes and blankets regularly. Sofas, carpets, materials made of natural fibres and even clothing are susceptible to anthrene infestation. It is therefore essential to pay attention to the target objects of the larvae in order to stop any infestation. Animals that have died as a result of rodent problems, the food they have carried in structural voids and old rodent bait can also cause infestation by these insects.

Suck up dead insects from window frames and behind furniture, as well as residues in the floor outlets of ventilation ducts (empty or dispose of the recovery container afterwards).

If the situation persists, the most effective solution remains to call on the expertise of our certified technicians.

Actions

  • Vacuum everywhere (empty receptacle/dispose of bag)
  • Request assistance from one of our pest management experts

Prevention

  • Vacuum regularly and air out clothing and bedding
  • Brush pets regularly to keep fur from building up underneath furniture
  • Seal the outsides of windows, doors, eaves, chimneys, etc. as completely as possible

Description and development

Carpet Beetles are insects from the coleoptera order and the dermestid (Dermestidae ) family. They are holometabolous, meaning that they metamorphose completely, so that the larvae bear no resemblance to the adults. The larvae are stocky and dull colored, and can reach a length of 5 mm. The adult is 3 to 5 mm long and rather oval in shape, and has yellow and /or orange and/or brown and/or white spots depending on the species. There are three species of Carpet Beetles:

•Common Carpet Beetle: Is easily recognizable by the orange scales on its elytra (hard wings covering a large part of the adult insect).

•Furniture Carpet Beetle: Unlike the first species, the lower portion of this one's elytra is notched. Its scales are yellow and white.
•Varied Carpet Beetle: This is the most common species encountered and the one dealt with here. It is distinguished by the rounded ends of its elytra and the color of its scales: white, yellow, and brown.

The complete cycle (from egg to adult) of the Varied Carpet Beetle can vary between 251 to 351 days. After hatching, a larva will molt an average of 7 or 8 times before reaching the adult stage. The exuviae (skins) of larvae are often found in stored clothing. This tells us that the insect is present in the house. There is only one generation per year of this species, compared to 2, 3, or 4 per year for the other two species.

Habits

Immediately after hatching, the larvae begin to feed. Therefore, the adult lays eggs where the larvae can feed quickly and easily. Most of the time, the female lays her eggs on dead insects. However, larvae can feed on both animal matter (like fur and hair) and vegetable matter. This insect commonly infests hornet’s nests and those of several species of birds. The adult flies and is drawn to light, so it is often found on window ledges. The adult insect will have to go outside to feed on the nectar and pollen of flowers. Afterwards, the female may re-enter the house to lay her eggs.

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