Finding carpet beetle larvae does not have to indicate poor hygiene. They find food sources in the form of accumulated skin flakes and hair in inaccessible cracks. The beetles usually fly through open doors and windows. If traces are discovered, action should be taken.
How do I recognize carpet beetle larvae and how do I fight them?
You can recognize carpet beetle larvae by their elongated body with bristly tufts of hair. They are up to 6 mm long, are brownish in color and have ringed body segments and arrow hairs at the end of the abdomen. Thorough cleaning, thermal treatments and natural products help to combat this.
How do I recognize the carpet beetle larva?
The larvae of the figwort flower beetle have bristly tufts of hair
There are two species called carpet beetles. The figwort flower beetle flies in Europe between May and July. As a pest and crop follower, it can be observed in apartments and houses all year round, just like the Australian carpet beetle. The larvae of carpet beetles have an elongated body with bristly tufts of hair. The untrained eye cannot identify species based on the larvae. A microscope is necessary to recognize species-specific antenna shapes.
This is what carpet beetle larvae look like:
- can be up to six millimeters long
- have thick hair and additional defensive hair
- brownish colored with ringed body segments
- Arrow hairs at the end of the abdomen
Background
Arrow hairs for species identification
These special hairs are used to ward off enemies. In the case of the figwort flower beetle they lie in two clusters on the abdomen. If the larva is in danger, it spreads the tufts of hair and the protective hairs can easily break off. If you look closely, the larva of the figwort flower beetle differs from that of the Australian carpet beetle. Its larva has long arrow hairs that extend beyond the end of the abdomen and form a tail. Pictures should be used to better identify a carpet beetle larva.
Differentiation of species
Both species, which belong to different genera, feed on substances containing keratin and chitin. The club-like antennae are typical of adult beetles. In contrast to the larvae, they are easy to identify. While the Australian carpet beetle has an oval body shape, the figwort flower beetle appears in a spherical shape. Its scales wear away over the course of life, so the coloration can be variable.
| Brownroot flower beetle | Australian carpet beetle | |
|---|---|---|
| Genus | Anthrenus | Anthrenocerus |
| Size | up to 4.5 millimeters | up to 3.5 millimeters |
| Body Color | black | red brown to black |
| wing covers | colorful scales | narrow light zigzag bandages |
What helps with an infestation of carpet beetle larvae?
Carpet beetles are difficult to control because their larvae are afraid of light and live in secret. To get the pest infestation under control, the right measures, thorough hygiene and patience are important. A trap is not enough to combat it. They only attract male beetles that may have already reproduced.
Teppichkäfer
Detecting an infestation
Carpet beetles are pantry, hygiene and textile pests. Once they have spread in the wardrobe, their larvae leave irregular feeding marks in the clothing. These are similar to the feeding marks of clothes moths, but can be traced back to the causer due to the lack of webs.
- Furs and skins look like they have been shaved
- Hair is eaten away at the base of the skin and falls out in clumps
- Similar damage on short- and long-haired carpets
- Feces pellets and remains of skin
Infestation assessment
You can use the following table to estimate the severity of the infestation. Please note that the information is intended to provide initial guidance and does not provide a reliable result for the extent of the infestation. Pheromone traps, which are equipped with adhesive strips and attractants, provide another option for assessment.
| possible location | possible infestation severity | possible cause | first measures | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| a dead beetle | Kitchen | low | lost insect that has not found optimal living conditions | Clear out the closet and vacuum out the cracks thoroughly |
| lots of dead bugs | well-locked cupboards | medium | Larvae developed successfully, but beetles could not find a way out | clean thoroughly, search for possible hiding places and observe infestation |
| numerous live beetles | window sill | high | successful larval development with increased risk of re-reproduction | Check pantries and wardrobes for further clues |
| few brown, immobile larvae | Wardrobe or pantry | low to medium | suboptimal living conditions, so that larvae could not pupate | Clear out the closet and vacuum out the cracks thoroughly |
| white case | between textiles and carpet fibers | medium to high | optimal food and temperature conditions | Check food and clothing for traces of feeding |
Get rid of larvae in the wardrobe
Cedar wood prevents carpet beetles from laying eggs
Shake out the textiles and wash clothes at at least 60 degrees. Alternatively, you can wrap the pieces in a plastic bag and place them in the freezer for at least two weeks. At extremely high or low temperatures, larvae and eggs die, with heat treatment showing results within a few hours. To keep the beetles from laying eggs in the closet again, you should lay out a piece of cedar wood.
Tip
Roughen the surface of the cedar piece with some sandpaper so that the essential oils are released. You can repeat this regularly.
Get rid of larvae in the bed
If possible, put the mattress outside so that it can air out and dry well. This worsens the living conditions for carpet beetle larvae and requires you to thoroughly knock out the surface. If the cover is removable, you should wash it at at least 60 degrees. Otherwise, vacuum the material thoroughly with an upholstery nozzle.
A discovery of carpet beetle larvae should not result in panic. A well-thought-out approach to combating it is better.
Also clean the bed base with lukewarm water and a few drops of tea tree oil. Vacuum all niches and crevices in the area. Lavender bags have a deterrent effect and protect against the beetles spreading again in the bedroom.
Capturing hiding larvae
Suck out gaps with a narrow upholstery nozzle. If possible, remove baseboards and move upholstered furniture and cabinets to capture all eggs, larvae and moulting debris. Since the light-shy larvae retreat deep into crevices or into soft wood in order to pupate, further means should be used:
- Mineral powder: Apply diatomaceous earth, silicate powder, diatomaceous earth
- Essential oils: spray aqueous neem oil solution
- Insecticides: Spray PBO-free products with pyrethrum into the cracks
How should I deal with a carpet beetle infestation?
It's not a pleasant experience if you find larvae under the bed, in the closet or on the closet shelves. Many people experience feelings of disgust and panic easily. If you make such a discovery, remain calm. It is important that you identify a possible infestation and, if the result is positive, proceed with patience.
Procedure:
- Determine the center by searching nearby niches
- check stored clothing, pantries and upholstered furniture
- Dispose of contaminated food immediately
- Shake out infected textiles in the air and treat them thermally
- Clear out cupboards and vacuum thoroughly
The danger of carpet beetle larvae
The fine hairs of carpet beetle larvae can cause allergies in humans
Larvae have arrow hairs that are used to ward off predators. They are also dangerous for humans because they cause allergic reactions in the airways when inhaled or hives and redness when they come into contact with the skin. Such symptoms are reminiscent of bites, but the larvae have mouthparts that are too weak to injure human skin.
Tip
If you discover a larva, you should vacuum it up immediately. Supposedly lifeless specimens often pretend to be dead when touched.
Frequently asked questions
How can I protect myself from carpet beetle infestation?
Carpet beetles often enter the apartment by flying in from outside. To prevent this, you should fit windows and doors with fly screens. Before you store winter clothing for a longer period of time, we recommend cleaning the textiles. Sweat and skin flakes magically attract larvae. If you are a pet owner, clean the sleeping and feeding areas regularly so that no food residues or hair and feathers are left behind.
Do larvae spread throughout the house?
In principle, it is possible for nested carpet beetles to spread in different rooms. However, this case only occurs if you do nothing to prevent the spread of pests. You can often find the larvae in bed drawers, wardrobes or in the pantry. The damage is usually concentrated in one area if the food conditions there are optimal.
How do carpet beetles reproduce?
The figwort flower beetle flies between May and June to look for a mate. After successful mating, females look for a protected hiding place to lay their eggs. They lay their eggs in a suitable food substrate and often get lost in apartments through open windows and doors. Here they systematically search for materials of animal origin such as wool textiles, fur or carpets made from natural fibers. The first larvae hatch after 15 days and shed their skin up to twelve times before pupating. Next spring the beetles will hatch and fly out again.
Are there similar species?
The carpet beetle (Anthrenus scrophulariae) belongs to the speck beetle family, which is represented by 144 species in Europe. Many relatives are material and hygiene pests. From the same genus, cabinet beetles and cotton wool beetles cause problems. Both are also known as museum beetles because they destroy zoological collections. The Australian carpet beetle, which belongs to the genus Anthrenocerus, has a similar lifestyle. Fur beetles come from the genus Attagenus, while the Berlin beetle is a Trogoderma species.
