Tiny Varied Carpet Beetle

They have zig zag bands of yellow white brown and black on their wing coverings.

Tiny varied carpet beetle.

The adult beetles are small and usually black to dark brown in color but damage is actually caused during their larval stage. Varied carpet beetles are found in homes in attics oriental carpets tapestries and wood based wall to wall carpeting. They are so small they are often overlooked. Vacuuming carpeting and washing your clothes and other fabrics frequently at least once every 2 or so weeks is the best way to prevent a carpet beetle infestation.

The varied carpet beetle anthrenus verbasci is a 3 mm long beetle belonging to the family dermestidae they are a common species often considered a pest of domestic houses and particularly natural history museums where the larvae may damage natural fibers and can damage carpets furniture clothing and insect collections. There are about 500 to 700 species worldwide but there are only 4 that you are likely to come across. Larvae young carpet beetles are 1 8 to 1 4 inch long and. Their larvae however can become pests inside homes universities and museums.

These are the black carpet beetle the common carpet beetle the varied carpet beetle and the furniture carpet beetle. The adults are 1 16 to 1 8 inch long and oval shaped. Adult varied carpet beetles are small 3 5 millimeters or about an eighth of an inch rounded beetles with dark colored or patterned wing covers depending on the species. Larvae are about 1 8 to 1 4 inch long tan to brownish in color slow moving and densely covered with hairs or bristles.

They range in color from black to speckled with white brown yellow and orange. Carpet beetle is the colloquial name for dermestidae which is a family of coleoptera. In older adults the scales that form this pattern wear off so the beetles appear solid brown or black. Adult carpet beetles are small and often appear speckled or mottled.

Larvae are similarly sized and have a tapered body. Adult varied carpet beetles can be found outdoors where they feed on pollen from a variety of flowers. The adult varied carpet beetle anthrenus verbasci is about 1 10 inch long and black with an irregular pattern of white brown and dark yellow scales on its wing covers. The larvae appear to be hairy little worms and can be found on or near carpets clothing and in some instances dried food products.

Clean carpet beetle prone areas frequently. Food and sweat stains on fabrics can attract carpet beetles. When carpet beetle adults are found indoors they are typically seen near windows on sills drapes or window panes. Treat spills and stains immediately as well.

They are attracted to sunlight.