This major British textile pest can damage furniture, curtains and carpets and be present in food products. Adult carpet beetles are oval and vary from about 2mm to 4mm long. They feed on pollen and nectar from flowers, and lay their eggs in old birds’ nests, felt, fabric or accumulated fluff in buildings. The larvae (often known as ‘woolly bears’) are about 9mm long and distinctively hairy and striped. They feed on feathers, fur, hair or wool, and are often found in airing cupboards where clothes and blankets are stored. They tend to roll up when disturbed. You may notice the cast-off skins as the grubs moult, or well-defined round holes along the seams of fabric. The lifecycle takes about a year with the grubs being most active in October before they hibernate.
Treatment for Carpet Beetles The larvae tend to wander so a through investigation is required. The source of the infestation should be removed. It’s important to remove pet hair and fur regularly by vacuuming, to reduce food sources for the larvae. We offer a cost-effective insecticidal treatment which is only effective in conjunction with proper cleaning.
This major British textile pest can damage furniture, curtains and carpets and be present in food products. Adult carpet beetles are oval and vary from about 2mm to 4mm long. They feed on pollen and nectar from flowers, and lay their eggs in old birds’ nests, felt, fabric or accumulated fluff in buildings. The larvae (often known as ‘woolly bears’) are about 9mm long and distinctively hairy and striped. They feed on feathers, fur, hair or wool, and are often found in airing cupboards where clothes and blankets are stored. They tend to roll up when disturbed. You may notice the cast-off skins as the grubs moult, or well-defined round holes along the seams of fabric. The lifecycle takes about a year with the grubs being most active in October before they hibernate.