Pest Control - Carpet Beetles
Carpet Beetles
A common source of problems in some homes is the carpet beetle.
This small insect similar in size to the ladybird thrives on the
proteins in natural fibres, like wool, causing damage to both
carpets and clothing.
About 3mm in length, the beetles are oval in shape with short
clubbed antennae. The body is dark brown or black, mottled with
patches of yellow or white scales. The adult will live out of doors
feeding on plants, but the female will lay eggs indoors on the
larval food material which is always of animal origin.
The larval stage is commonly known as the ‘woolly bear’, and is
dark in colour with segmental tufts of long, arrow-headed bristles.
It will feed on and damage woollen fabrics, carpets and clothes,
even those with a small man made fibre content, they will not
however attack pure synthetic fibres. Infestations have been found
in bird nests which may be the source of infestations in the
home.
Control
The infected area should be treated with a residual insecticide
containing permithrin or bendiocarb. These sprays are readily
available from garden centres, hardware stores etc. Remember to
treat again after using your vacuum cleaner.
Treatment
Dover District Council can arrange for a contractor to
remove carpet beetles for £66.00 inc VAT.
Make pest control arrangements by:
