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Carpet Beetles can create severe damage to your furniture, carpeting and clothes. They lay their eggs on animal based material, including:
carpets and rugs- underfelt
- wall hangings and curtains
- clothing
Once hatched, the Carpet Beetle Larvae feed on:
- wool
- fur
- silk
- felt
Adult carpet beetles are small with oval bodies. Their heads are tiny, and their legs are often hidden under their body.
In Australia there are four species – of which only one is native.
- Variegated Carpet Beetle (Anthrenus verbasci) – 2-3mm in length and mottled yellow, white and black
- Furniture Carpet Beetle (Anthrenus flavipes) – similar size and markings to the Variegated
- Black Carpet Beetle (Attagenus unicolor) – ranges from 3-5mm and is black with brownish legs
- Australian Carpet Beetle (Anthrenocerus australis) – 2-3mm in length and dark with light markings
Carpet Beetle Larvae range from 4-7mm in length (depending on the species). They are brown in colour and covered in bristles. The Carpet Beetles lay their eggs near food sources for their larvae. Then the larvae emerge, feed, and moult as they grow.
Carpet Beetles and their larvae are found throughout Australia and frequent homes and offices.
Helpful Hints
- Prevention is best.
- Regularly vacuum your carpets, rugs, soft furnishings and upholstery. Be sure to vacuum under furniture.
- Where possible, wash and steam-clean.
- Seal out of season clothing in plastic bags.