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Biology: Adult beetles live out doors on plants, feeding on
pollen and nectar of Spirea and Hogweed. Females fly in doors and lay between 50 - 200 eggs on food material
for the larvae. The emerging larvae are approximately 5mm long with tufts of bristles, and are often called
"Woolly Bears".
The larvae will eat only natural fibres e.g. fur, silk, wool, cotton etc. Depending upon temperature food supply,
they will remain as larvae for excess of 100 days, shedding their larval skin between 5 - 20 times.
Signs of infestations:
Evidence of adult females on the window sills, trapped by the window. Bald patches appear in carpets after
vacuuming, revealing the damage to the pile. Move heavy furniture and lift carpets of infested areas to reveal
the skins shed by the larvae. A thorough inspection is required to establish the extent of any suspected
infestation.
Size: 2 - 4 mm in length.
Markings: Thorax (elytra) has mottled markings, beige - brown - black, giving the beetle effective camouflage. The larvae are small, hairy and approx. 5mm in length.
Location: Under heavy furniture, in carpets, fur coats, stuffed animals, bird's nest in roof voids.
Detection: Damage to fabrics, appearance of bald patches.
Sightings of adult beetles, larvae and discarded larval skins.
There are several species of carpet beetle throughout Europe. The varied carpet beetle is the most common found
infesting homes, flying from site to site. Other varieties include the Two spot carpet beetle, and the Furniture
carpet beetle.
Solution: For a survey, quotation and treatment contact AQUILA
All Surveys and Quotations are free of charge
All work undertaken is guaranteed
All Work carried out is completed to the standards recommended
by the industries governing bodies
