Carpet Beetles

Carpet beetles can cause damage to carpets, rugs, underlay, insulating wool and clothing. Infestations can be present in pet bedding and ceiling or pipe insulation.

Carpet beetle larvae feed on dry materials of animal origin, including wool, fur, silk and felt. These beetles can originate in bird or mammal nesting which may be in the roof or walls from where the larvae and adults find their way down into the house.

Neither the larvae nor the adult beetles bite people but if left unchecked they do have the ability to cause damage to a variety of objects containing organic matter such as carpets, felt on pianos, clothing made from wool, insect collections and animal mounts. There is also the possibility for the shed larval skins to cause some irritation to people.