Carpet Beetles

Dermestidae

Fact Sheet: English, Spanish.

Carpet Beetles

Top left: Furniture beetle and Top right: Black carpet beetle (Clemson University - USDA Cooperative Extension Slide Series, Bugwood.org) Bottom left: Warehouse beetle (Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org) Bottom right: Carpet beetle larva (Joseph Berger, Bugwood.org)

Larve and larval hairs

Left: Carpet beetle larvae (Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org) Right: Carpet beetle larval hairs (Pest and Diseases Image Library, Bugwood.org)

 

Identification

  • 1/16 – 1/4 inch long
  • color highly variable: black to multicolored beetles
  • often found in window sills
  • larvae: small, hairy, tan to black; appear striped

Nesting Habits

  • live indoors and outdoors
  • stored foods, animal hides/materials/textiles, dead animals in voids, grain-based rodenticides, under carpeting, baseboards, and furniture, under seat cushions of upholstered furniture or anywhere hair, lint, dead insects and food crumbs collect are prime areas
  • areas of minimal use such as attics, basements, cubbies, under unused or seldom moved furniture or appliances, etc., are also prime locations

Diet

  • varies by species (see above)

Significance

  • can damage fabrics and furniture
  • can infest and destroy food items
  • larval hairs can cause throat irritation if consumed

IPM Recommendations

  • Locate source of beetles and remove infested items.
  • Locating the source of beetles can be very difficult.
  • Seal cracks around the outside foundation wall.
  • Install tight-fitting door sweeps at the base of all exterior doors.
  • Vacuum individuals that enter buildings.
  • Store food in pest-proof containers.
  • Thoroughly clean food storage and preparation areas.

Additional Resources

Dermestid Beetles fact sheet

IPM for Fabric and Pantry Pests: Integrated Pest Management in Sensitive Environments (University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension)