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  • Carpet Beetle Beetles

    Carpet Beetle
  • Carpet Beetle
  • Carpet Beetle
  • Carpet Beetle
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Elimination

Vacuum dead insects on window ledges and behind furniture, as well as residue in ventilation outlets on floors. Then we suggest spraying Maheu&Maheu Crawling Insect Killer strategically in easy-access areas like baseboards, the bottoms of wardrobes, and around the perimeter of rooms. In the case of a severe infestation, it is important to treat with Maheu&Maheu Insecticide Dust behind the fixtures of electrical outlets and light switches, as well as around plumbing outlets. Note that the larvae are what cause damage inside the home. That’s why we strongly suggest frequent vacuuming or sweeping and regular airing out of clothes and blankets. Sofas, carpets, materials made from animal fibers, and even clothes are susceptible to Carpet Beetle attacks, so it is vital you pay attention to items where larvae are found in order to check any infestation. Food carried by rodents into structural openings, old rodent bait, as well as the bodies of rodents killed by poison can also attract these insects.

Actions

  • Vacuum everywhere (empty receptacle/dispose of bag)
  • Spray or treat room perimeters with an insecticide wherever insects have been found
  • Apply insecticide dust to structural voids and roof spaces if larvae are present

Prevention

  • Vacuum regularly and air out clothing and bedding
  • Brush pets regularly to keep fur from building up underneath furniture
  • Seal the outsides of windows, doors, eaves, chimneys, etc. as completely as possible

Description and development

Carpet Beetles are insects from the coleoptera order and the dermestid (Dermestidae ) family. They are holometabolous, meaning that they metamorphose completely, so that the larvae bear no resemblance to the adults. The larvae are stocky and dull colored, and can reach a length of 5 mm. The adult is 3 to 5 mm long and rather oval in shape, and has yellow and /or orange and/or brown and/or white spots depending on the species. There are three species of Carpet Beetles:

•Common Carpet Beetle: Is easily recognizable by the orange scales on its elytra (hard wings covering a large part of the adult insect).

•Furniture Carpet Beetle: Unlike the first species, the lower portion of this one's elytra is notched. Its scales are yellow and white.
•Varied Carpet Beetle: This is the most common species encountered and the one dealt with here. It is distinguished by the rounded ends of its elytra and the color of its scales: white, yellow, and brown.

The complete cycle (from egg to adult) of the Varied Carpet Beetle can vary between 251 to 351 days. After hatching, a larva will molt an average of 7 or 8 times before reaching the adult stage. The exuviae (skins) of larvae are often found in stored clothing. This tells us that the insect is present in the house. There is only one generation per year of this species, compared to 2, 3, or 4 per year for the other two species.

Habits

Immediately after hatching, the larvae begin to feed. Therefore, the adult lays eggs where the larvae can feed quickly and easily. Most of the time, the female lays her eggs on dead insects. However, larvae can feed on both animal matter (like fur and hair) and vegetable matter. This insect commonly infests hornet’s nests and those of several species of birds. The adult flies and is drawn to light, so it is often found on window ledges. The adult insect will have to go outside to feed on the nectar and pollen of flowers. Afterwards, the female may re-enter the house to lay her eggs.

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