Beetles
The facts
Carpet Beetle larvae known as woolly bears and are 3 to 4mm long, are squat, brown in colour. The larvae are segmented and hairy with three bunches of golden hairs on the tip of the abdomen. They tend to shun light. Adults are 1.5 to 4mm long and the body is of a variegated pattern with a dense covering of scales. The patterns are variable but they are usually pale brown, yellow and straw marbled. They have 11 segmented antennae with a three segmented club.
Where do Carpet Beetles live?
Infestations of these insects mostly originate in birds' nests such as those of house-sparrow, house-martin, swift and starling. The carpet beetle larvae subsist on the soiled wool and feathers in the nest-lining and then manage to get under the eaves in the roof space. From here they crawl into the upper rooms of the house, usually following the hot water pipe system. They appear to be attracted to warmer situations. Airing cupboards often harbour substantial infestations. Carpet beetles do, however, sometimes fly through open windows and presumably initiate infestations directly, but infestations arising from birds' nest cause continual invasions. The first rule of control therefore is to remove birds' nests from eaves and all similar situations. If dead birds or rodents are found in chimneys or under floors they should be removed. Any pieces of old carpet or similar material in lofts or roof voids must be destroyed otherwise they will act as reservoirs of infestation.
Why keep Carpet Beetles under control?
Larval forms can cause considerable damage to keratin-containing products such as wool, fur, leather, silk and dried animal remains. Occasionally, food products of plant origin, such as cereals and fibres, will also be attacked. Damage takes the form of clean, irregular holes and in textiles these generally occur around seams. There is no webbing or excrement present and by the time larvae are observed, considerable damage has often been done. Because of the large number of larval moults, when cast larval skins are seen they tend to exaggerate the extent of the infestation. They are of limited significance as a health hazard, although they are potential vectors of anthrax. In certain situations the larval hairs cause skin irritation to those exposed to large numbers of the insects.
Prevention & Control
If an infestation is suspected then the source of the problem must be removed and destroyed to further limit any possibility of spreading. These beetles can be killed with extreme heat or exposure to freezers. Spray cracks and crevices using a residual insecticide. Fogging or misting can be used as a control measure. Remove bird nests if infested and treat the entire area with residual preparation. If the beetle is found in cereal or flour milling industry, treat with a residual preparation, all walls and wall floor junctions. Regular cleaning of spilled food or lint will eliminate any sites for potential breeding. Susceptible items like food, woollens, and furs should be stored in an insect proof container.
Treatment
Contact Paramite Pest Solutions if you suspect you may have a problem and we can advise you on the best course of action. A visit by our pest control officer can be arranged. He will carry out a survey and suggest what action needs to be taken. Paramite Pest Solutions will take all possible precautions in the placing of poison baits. Revisits will be made until the problem is cleared.