Pest Management
F A C T S H E E T
Pest Management Office 491 College Avenue Orono, ME 04473-1295
(207) 581-3880 1-800-287-0279 (in Maine) Fax (207) 581-3881
Carpet Beetles Bulletin #5008
Description & Biology
Four species of carpet beetles are of major
concern in Maine. Most important is the BLACK
CARPET BEETLE, which is black, oval and less than
1/4 inch long. The carrot-shaped larva (young or
immature) is less than 1/2 inch long, reddish or
golden brown with short hair on its body and a tuft of
long hair at the end of its abdomen. Black carpet
beetle larvae are more likely to feed on grains than
other carpet beetles. Black carpet beetle
Varied carpet beetle and larva
Because adults of the varied, common and
furitue carpet beetles are similar in looks and habits,
come into homes on clothes, cloth or almost any-
they are grouped together here. These beetles are
thing that is brought indoors.
about 1/8 inch long and have a broadly oval appear-
ance. There are minor differences in the 1/4 long
larvae of these three pests. Management
Carpet beetles are best controlled by profes-
The larval stage does most of the damage. sional pest control operators (exterminators). How-
Even though they are called carpet beetles, the ever, there are steps the homeowner can take to
larvae feed on many other items. Preferred foods prevent or control the pests.
include animal products, such as skins, furs, feath-
ers, wool, hair and dead insects, but they also eat Good housekeeping helps prevent infestation
cotton to some extent. They are known to eat holes and, more importantly, reveals infestations early
in yarns that are blends of wool and synthetic fibers. before significant damage is done. It is wise to treat,
Because synthetics are not digestible, larvae need to wash or dry clean second hand clothes immediately
eat more of each material to get enough wool to upon bringing them home. If exposed to beetles,
meet nutritional requirements. Consequently, great untreated animals skins, fur clothes, woolen rags,
feeding damage occurs. etc., are likely to be infested. Be sure to clean out-
of-season items before storing. Checking items that
Adult beetles are good fliers and are attracted to have not been used for several months helps pre-
light. Finding adult beetles on window sills is often vent severe damage. Clothes that were worn or
the first sign of infestation. But by that time, the soiled, e.g. socks, sweaters or slippers are more
larvae have already damaged items on which they likely to hold sweat or food particles, making the
have fed. garments more attractive to these pests.
Beetle infestation occurs in many ways. In Good housekeeping helps prevent infestation and,
warmer climates, the creatures apparently survive more importantly, reveals infestations early before
outside, providing a ready source for household significant damage is done. It is wise to treat, wash or
infestation. In Maine, these insects are more likely to dry clean second hand clothes immediately upon
A Member of the University of Maine System
The Land Grant University of the State of Maine and U. S. Department of Agriculture cooperating
Cooperative Extension provide equal opportunities in program and employment
bringing them home. If exposed to beetles, untreated There are two kinds of clothes moths that prefer
animals skins, fur clothes, woolen rags, etc., are likely the same foods as carpet beetles. Several other
to be infested. beetles resemble carpet beetles in color and shape,
but these primarily attack dried fruits and grains.
Be sure to clean out-of-season items before Items infested with larvae of these insects may be
storing. Checking items that have not been used for thought to be infested with carpet beetles. Because
several months helps prevent severe damage. of this, it is very important to identify pests correctly
Clothes that are worn or soiled, e.g. socks, sweaters and use appropriate control measures.
or slippers are more likely to hold sweat or food
particles making the garments more attractive to Using insecticides to control carpet beetles
these pests. requires a thorough application in the proper places-
- wherever infestations might lurk. Insecticides that
are registered for carpet beetle control are cyfluthrin,
Control bifenthrin, deltamethrin, permethrin and
Dry cleaning kills the pests in all stages of tetramethrin Liquid or EC (emulsifiable concen-
development; washing is also helpful, as is using a trates), dusts and aerosol (pressurized) sprays are
clothes dryer. Remember that woolens are dam- the usual insecticide formulations used.
aged by temperatures above 100°F; temperatures in
clothes dryers range from 160 to 210°F. Placing Carpet Considerations
clothes in tight plastic bags or trunks helps to dis- A word of caution is in order: red dyes, even
courage beetles, but is not always effective. when used to make other colors, of some carpets
Napthalene mothballs or flakes are a fair preventive. may change color or stain when sprayed with some
Paradichlorobenzene flakes are better because they insecticide formulations. Check labels for such
also have some insecticidal effect. Do not count on warnings! When you need to treat a carpet but do
cedar closets or chests to keep moths or carpet not know the potential for discolorations, treat a
beetles from damaging garments. Moth-proof the small, inconspicuous spot on the carpet with the
garments. Valuable furs are best in cold storage insecticide. Check the test spot for discoloration or
(45°F or lower). staining in a week or so. This color test is done at
your own risk. When purchasing a carpet, docu-
Vacuuming upholstered furniture, carpets and ment the discoloration (dye or staining) potential for
carpet pads (especially edges of carpets and near future reference. Remember, too, that water-based
mop boards), and hard to reach areas under furni- sprays may cause metal furniture legs to rust and
ture may also lessen the degree of an infestation. stain carpets. Oil-based sprays may damage
Do not overlook lint in isolated areas like heat ducts rubber backed carpets.
and attics.
Many homeowners know beetles can survive on
foods caught under sinks and behind refrigerators,
but they may overlook pet foods. Be aware of what
is stored in attics. Anything beetles can feed on that
was not treated with an insecticide and lies in an
undisturbed place attracts the pests. Even felts in
pianos have been destroyed. Check rodenticide
baits (D-con, Havoc, etc.). These baits do not kill
insects that feed on them.
Clay A. Kirby, Insect Diagnostician
When Using Pesticides James F. Dill, Pest Management Specialist
ALWAYS FOLLOW 2009
LABEL DIRECTIONS! Where trade names are used, no
discrimination is intended and no endorsement by
Cooperative Extension is implied.
Published and distributed in furtherance of Acts of Congress of May 8 and June 30, 1914 by the University of Maine Cooperative Extension, the Land Grant
University of the State of Maine and the United States Department of Agriculture cooperating. Cooperative Extension and other agencies of the USDA provide
equal opportunities in programs and employment.