Finding carpet beetle larvae does not have to indicate poor hygiene. They find basic food in the form of accumulated dander and hair in inaccessible cracks. The beetles usually fly through open doors and windows. If traces were discovered, measures should be taken.

A carpet beetle infestation should be fought as soon as possible

Table of Contents

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  1. the essentials in brief
  2. Detect carpet beetle larvae
  3. Combat carpet beetle larvae
  4. Correct handling
  5. frequently asked Questions

    6. the essentials in brief

    • Larvae are clearly recognizable by their long bristle hairs. The Australian carpet beetle has a long bristly tail, while the figwort beetle has two hairy tails. Adult beetles are easier to spot.
    • Shaved textiles and carpets as well as remains of skinning indicate an infestation. How much the pest has spread can be estimated from the number and condition of beetles and larvae.
    • In order to get rid of larvae in the bed and wardrobe, cleaning actions are necessary. In addition to thermal treatments, natural products help.
    • Even if the larvae pose a health risk, a positive infestation determination should not degenerate into panic.

    How do I recognize the larva of the carpet beetle?

    The larvae of the figwort flower beetle have bristly tufts of hair

    There are two species called carpet beetles. The figwort beetle flies in Europe between May and July. Like the Australian carpet beetle, it can be observed as a pest and cultural successor in apartments and houses all year round. Carpet beetle larvae have an elongated body covered with tufts of bristly hairs. The untrained eye cannot use the larvae to identify the species. A microscope is necessary to recognize species-specific antennae forms.

    This is what carpet beetle larvae look like:

    • are up to six millimeters long
    • bear dense hairs and additional weirs
    • brownish in color with ringed body segments
    • Arrow hairs at the end of the abdomen

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    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 weir hairs can easily break off. On closer inspection, the larva of the figwort flower beetle differs from that of the Australian carpet beetle. Its larva has long arrow hairs that protrude beyond the end of its abdomen and form a tail. Images should be used to better identify a carpet beetle larva.

    distinction of species

    Both species, which belong to different genera, feed on substances containing keratin and chitin. The club-like feelers 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 beetle has a spherical shape. Its scales wear down over life, so coloration can be variable.

    Figwort beetle Australian carpet beetle
    genus anthrenus anthrenocerus
    size up to 4.5 millimeters up to 3.5 millimeters
    body paint black reddish brown to black
    elytra colorful scales narrow bright zigzag bands

    What helps with an infestation by carpet beetle larvae?

    Carpet beetles are difficult to fight because their larvae are afraid of light and live in secret. In order to bring the pest infestation under control, the right measures, thorough hygiene and patience are important. A trap is not enough for a fight. They only attract male beetles that may have already reproduced.

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    Recognize an infestation

    Carpet beetles are storage, hygiene and textile pests. Once they have spread through the closet, their larvae leave irregular feeding tracks on clothing. These resemble the food marks of clothes moths, but can be traced back to the polluter due to the lack of webs.

    • Furs and skins look as if they have been shaved off
    • Hair is eaten off at the base of the skin and falls out in clumps
    • similar damage to short-haired and long-haired carpets
    • droppings and residues of molting

    infestation assessment

    You can use the following table to estimate the severity of the infestation. Please note that the information is intended to provide an initial orientation and does not provide a reliable result for the extent of the infestation. Another possibility for assessment is provided by pheromone traps equipped with adhesive strips and attractants.

    possible locality possible infestation Possible Cause first measures
    a dead beetle kitchen small amount stray insect that has not found optimal living conditions Clear out the closet and vacuum out the cracks thoroughly
    many dead bugs well locked cupboards medium Larvae successfully developed, but beetles could not find a way out Thoroughly clean, search for possible hiding places and observe infestation
    numerous live beetles windowsill high successful larval development with increased risk of re-breeding Search pantries and wardrobes for further clues
    few brown, immobile larvae closet 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 shell between textiles and carpet fibers medium to high optimal food and temperature conditions Check food and clothing for signs of eating

    Get rid of larvae in the closet

    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 put 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.

    tips

    Roughen the surface of the piece of cedar wood with some sandpaper so that the essential oils are released. You can repeat this regularly.

    Eliminate larvae in bed

    If possible, place the mattress outside so that it can air out and dry well. This worsens the living conditions for carpet beetle larvae and you can thoroughly tap 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.

    Finding carpet beetle larvae should not cause panic. A well thought-out approach to combating it is better.

    Also clean the bed box with lukewarm water and a few drops of tea tree oil. Vacuum out all niches and crevices in the area. Lavender sacks have a deterrent effect and protect against re-spreading of the bugs in the bedroom.

    Capture hiding larvae

    Vacuum out the gaps with a narrow upholstery nozzle. If possible, remove baseboards and move upholstered furniture and cabinets to capture any eggs, larvae, and molting debris. Since the light-shy larvae retreat deep into crevices or soft wood to pupate there, other means should be used:

    • mineral powder: apply diatomaceous earth, silicate powder, kieselguhr
    • 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?

    Finding larvae under the bed, in the closet, or on the closet shelves is not a pleasant experience. Many people experience feelings of disgust and panic easily. Remain calm when you have made such a discovery. It is important that you identify a possible infestation and, if you find a positive result, proceed with patience.

    Method:

    1. Determine center by searching nearby alcoves
    2. Check stored clothing, storage cupboards and upholstered furniture
    3. Dispose of contaminated food immediately
    4. Shake out affected textiles in the air and treat them thermally
    5. Clear out cupboards and vacuum thoroughly

    The danger of carpet beetle larvae

    The fine hairs of the carpet beetle larvae can trigger 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 when they come into contact with the skin, wheals and reddening. Such symptoms are reminiscent of bites, but the larvae's mouthparts are too weak to injure human skin.

    tips

    If you spot a larva, you should suck it up right away. Supposedly lifeless specimens often play dead when touched.

    frequently asked Questions

    How can I protect myself from a carpet beetle infestation?

    Carpet beetles often get into the apartment from outside. To prevent this, you should provide windows and doors with fly screens. Before you store winter clothing for a longer period of time, we recommend cleaning the textiles. Larvae are magically attracted to sweat and dander. If you are one of the pet owners, clean the sleeping and feeding areas regularly so that there are no leftovers of food or hair and feathers.

    Do larvae spread throughout the house?

    In principle, it is possible for nested carpet beetles to spread to different rooms. However, this only occurs if you do nothing to prevent the spread of the pest. You can often find the larvae in bed drawers, wardrobes or in the pantry. Damage tends to be concentrated in one spot if the feeding conditions are optimal there.

    How do carpet beetles reproduce?

    The figwort 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 look for materials of animal origin such as woolen textiles, furs or carpets made from natural fibers. The first larvae hatch after 15 days and molt up to 12 times before pupating. The beetles hatch next spring and fly out again.

    Are there similar species?

    The carpet beetle (Anthrenus scrophulariae) belongs to the bacon beetle family, which has 144 species in Europe. Many relatives are material and hygiene pests. From the same genus, cabinet beetles and wool weevils cause problems. Both are also known as museum beetles because they destroy zoological collections. The Australian carpet beetle, which belongs to the genus Anthrenocerus, exhibits a similar way of life. Fur beetles come from the genus Attagenus, while the Berlin beetle belongs to the Trogoderma species.

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Animals in the garden