Carpet Beetle
Category: Occasional
Scientific Name: Anthrenus verbasci
Identification:
Color: Black with white, yellow, and brown patches
Size: 1/16 inch long
Region: Found throughout the United States
Lifespan: 1-2 months
Important Considerations:
- Carpet beetles feed on items such as silk, leather, wool, fur, and animal hair. Because of this, they are often found carpet, furniture, blankets, clothing, bedding, and pillows.
- Adult carpet beetles can live inside or outside. If they live outside, they can gain access to your home through cut plants and flowers, windows, doors, and other openings.
- Like most pests, carpet beetles prefer living and feeding in dark areas. Because of this, infestations may not be noticed until they are widespread. Such infestations can be extremely difficult to eradicate.
Where to Find Them on Your Property?
Outdoors, carpet beetles can be found on flowers, plants, or in or near pet food bowls or storage containers. Inside your home, they are found in areas that have abundant sources of animal-based products that they can eat. Places such as carpet, furniture, clothing storage chests, and closets are common homes for carpet beetles.