Carpet beetles

Life-Cycle

They vary in colour from brown or black mottle with yellow or white scales on the dorsal surface.  Adult carpet beetles live outdoors on pollen and nectar and can also be found on walls and windows.

Females produce cream coloured eggs that hatch in 2-4 weeks into  larvae which are 4-5 mm golden brown and hairy.

Larvae , (white with bristles) called 'Woolly Bears', are particularly evident in autumn when they wander in search of food and hibernation sites.  Carpet beetles thrive in situations  where they are undisturbed e.g. under carpets, around skirting boards and in wardrobes.

Larval forms can cause damage to products such as wool, fur, leather and silk by leaving clean, irregular holes and in textiles these generally occur around the seams.

Infestations normally occur around wool-based furnishings or debris that can accumulate around floor boards.

Treatment

The treatment involves the property being sprayed or dusted with a broad-spectrum residual insecticide.

If we are to carry out a treatment please clear the floor as much as possible, vacuum up before we visit and empty the vacuum cleaner outside and place the contents in a bin-bag, seal and put outside (preferably in a bin).  Tenants can remain in the house but cannot touch treated areas until dry, so pets and children must be kept out of contact with wet treated areas.      

You must not vacuum for 2 weeks afterwards.