Carpet beetles

Fur beetles and carpet beetles systematically belong to the family of skin beetles (Dermestidae). Both species are common textile and material pests that have spread worldwide through trade.

The carpet beetle is 3 to 4.5 mm long and looks much like a ladybird due to its colouring. The fur beetle measures 3.5 to 6 mm in length and is black. A bright spot is located in the middle of the wing covers.

The larvae, which measure up to 6 to 12 mm in length, are a yellow-brown colour, have long bodies, are typically hairy and also have spiny hairs at the end of their body.

While beetles only live a few weeks as adults, the larvae can take up to a year to develop during which time they go through multiple moulting stages.

Adult beetles eat the pollen of flowers, but especially like white flowers, for example, fruit blossoms, blackthorn, hawthorn or umbel flowers. Beetles infest homes to lay their eggs there.

Damage is caused by the larvae which require proteins from animal origin, for example, keratin made of wool, feathers, furs, etc. in order to develop. Larvae frequently develop in birds’ nests in the outdoors.

Beetles prefer attacking textiles which have been in storage for a long time. That’s why regularly opening and airing out clothes chests is a good preventative measure. An infestation can be reliably prevented by using insecticides in wardrobes.

To successfully combat beetles, it’s important to find and treat the whole infestation. The treatment is done using either moth killing products containing an insecticide evaporating into the air or with insecticide sprays with residual effectiveness. Close attention should, of course, be paid to the instructions.