Carpet beetles are very common insects that occasionally become pests inside the home. They are small beetles, generally less that 3/16 inch long.

Carpet beetles are placed in a group called dermestids. The black carpet beetle is perhaps the most common. At first glance, it appears uniformly black, but under magnification it is seen to have pale spots on its back and to be covered with yellowish hairs. Common, furniture and varied carpet beetles are similar in size and shape, but are strikingly marked with white, brown, red or yellow scales. Some are quite handsome. As a rule, the adult beetles feed on flower pollen, and can often be seen on flowers in the summer.

The larvae feed on a wide variety of animal products and by-products. Articles from or containing fur, feathers, skins, silk, hides and similar materials are all subject to attack. There is usually an abundance of food to be found in the typical home – carpets, gloves, hats, and sweaters may be made of wool. Down comforters are filled with feathers. Many hats are made of felt and have silk linings. A piano has felt strikers on it. Picture frames may be lined with silk, insulating materials sometimes contain felt (i.e. roofing felt). Antique furniture may be stuffed with horsehair. Pet hairs fall to the floor and accumulate in cracks and behind baseboards. Paint brushes, often made of camel hair, are favorite food. Taxidermy, or mounted animals of any kind, including insects are often attacked.

The list of household items or furnishings subject to attack by carpet beetle larvae could fill pages. It is apparent that any search for breeding sites must be thorough.

In nature, carpet beetles fit into a society of animals, including many other insects that are called detrivores/decomposers. These animals are responsible for returning constituents of organic substances to ecological cycles by feeding on and breaking down dead protoplasm. Carpet beetles are frequently found in rodent burrows of larger animals performing the same function.

Control of carpet beetles can be difficult, it is essential that all feeding places be located. There may be multiple sites. Concentrate the search in dark, undisturbed places. Carpet beetle larvae are “thigmotactic” meaning they like to be in tight squeezed-in places, Look underneath hatbands. Check for birds nests in the eaves. When the source of the infestation is found, it must be removed. Clothing can be either laundered or dry cleaned. Some articles might require chemical control. Check the label to see if the material you intend to use is labeled for carpet beetle control, and also if it is appropriate for the particular location in which you will use it.

Control of carpet beetles is best left to professionals.