Variegated Carpet Beetle (anthrenus verbasci)

Adult size (approx.): 0.1cm-0.4cm

Habitat

The Adult Beetle is not the culprit for the damage in this case. They feed on pollen and nectar of flower heads during the Summer. The larvae need a high animal diet and occur naturally in dried Birds nests. They appear in domestic households where they feed on carpets, clothing and animal fur and skin.

Biology

Egg, Larvae – Pupae - Adult
Egg: up to 100 per Female, laid singly on larval food
Larvae: approx 5mm covered in bristles with a cream colouring. Known as the “Woolly Bear”
Pupae: inside their last larval skin among larval food normally occurring in the Spring
Adult: orange, black and white colouring feeding on nectar and pollen

Importance

If untreated, can cause damage to carpets, clothing, animal fur and skins, leather and mops and brushes.

Control

If the material in question is highly damaged, it should be removed and destroyed. The infested areas should be cleaned thoroughly with a small vacuum nozzle especially in cracks and crevices to remove the larvae. A residual spray throughout can be undertaken, paying particular attention to the infected areas. A dust can be used to treat and then easily removed by vacuuming.