Pest Control
Pest Control Service - Carpet BeetlePest Control Service - Carpet Beetle
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Advice To
Householders About The Carpet Beetle
There are several species of carpet beetles including the two-spot carpet beetle and the variegated carpet beetle; the adult beetle is around 4-7 mm in length.
Normally it is the larvae of the carpet beetle that is found in the home and these are more commonly known as "Woolly Bears" due to their appearance.
The larvae are brown and hairy, 4-5 mm long, and will roll up into a ball when disturbed.
Distribution & Habitat
The carpet beetle is commonly found throughout Europe and Britain and the adults feed on pollen and nectar during the summer.
They occur naturally in dry birds nests, which can be found in lofts. They can also be found in domestic situations such as carpets, stuffed animals and clothing.
Significance
This species is significant in domestic properties where they cause damage to fabrics which the larvae eat.
Life Cycle
The carpet beetle has a 'complete' life cycle and begins life as an egg, laid in a batch of 50-100 eggs, which are 1.5 mm in size.
The eggs hatch after approximately 14 days and become larvae. The larvae can survive long periods of starvation.
The larvae lives for 6-26 weeks, going through several moults before they pupate into the last larval skin, which is pale yellowish in colour. After this stage the larvae become adult beetles.
Control Methods
Heavily-infested materials should be disposed of and heavily-infested areas cleaned thoroughly, concentrating on cracks and crevices. A residual insecticide should be applied to the area.
Treatment
Ashfield District Council does not offer a service for the treatment of carpet beetles.
If you think that you may have a problem, please contact us immediately.
You will be advised fully of the costs involved prior to any treatment being undertaken.
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