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Carpet Beetles (Woolly Bears)
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| Carpet Beetle |
Woolly Bear (larval stage) |
Carpet Beetles are one of the major pests of
textiles. The adult beetle lives outdoors and feeds on pollen, it
is the larval stage that feeds on natural textile fibres. They will
feed on, and damage, woollen fabrics, carpets and clothes, even
wool/synthetic mixtures, but do not attack pure synthetic fibres.
The success of these beetles is attributed to central heating,
giving more uniform temperatures, and the increased use of fitted
carpets. Damage is often found when heavy furniture standing on
wool mixture carpets is moved because the larvae like the dark
space beneath where they can remain undisturbed.
What do carpet beetles and woolly bears
look like? >>
Can you tell me about their life cycle?
>>
How can I get rid of them? >>
Telephone: (023) 9244 6670
Email: ehenvironment@havant.gov.uk
Visit: Civic Offices, Civic Centre Road,
Havant PO9 2AX
Appearance
The adults are about 2 -4 mm long. The colour
is variable, brown or black and mottled with yellow or white marks
on the back. The larval stage has a
characteristic banded appearance, 4-5mm long
and covered in short bristles. The larva is known as a Woolly
Bear.
Life Cycle
The adult female produces 20-100 eggs over a
two -week period. These are cream coloured and about 0.5 mm long.
They are deposited in suitable crevices or stuck onto a potential
larval feeding site. The eggs hatch in 2-4 weeks to the distinctive
woolly bear. The mature larvae are 4-5 mm long and brown with tufts
of hair, especially at the posterior end. The larvae avoid light
and curl up when disturbed. The larval stage can last up to 10
months, depending on humidity, temperature and the availability of
food. In general, soiled materials are preferred to clean ones.
Larvae hibernate over winter and pupation occurs in the spring
where the larvae have fed. Pupation lasts for 10-30 days then the
adults emerge. Adults live for 2-6 weeks and can fly to the flowers
on which they feed, and to search for egg laying sites.
Control of Infestation
These insects have a wandering habit that
makes them difficult to control. Any pest control treatment must be
carried out as part of a programme to remove
their habitat. The first step is for you to
find and remove the source of the infestation. This may be an old
bird's nest, animal remains and wool based insulation or lagging or
the debris that accumulates between floorboards. All sources of
infestation should be removed and, if possible, burned. Regular
checking and cleaning are also important. You can treat
infestations yourself with a residual insecticide. When treating
carpets and other furnishings, it is very important to carefully
follow manufacturer’s instructions to avoid causing damage.
However, thorough treatment is essential to ensure that all larvae
are destroyed.
The Council does not offer a treatment service
for Carpet Beetles. Private Pest Control companies will offer a
treatment service for Carpet Beetles and you can find more
information from your local telephone directory.