National Pest Management Association Inc.
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Varied Carpet Beetles
Anthrenus verbasci
| Color: |
Black centers, with white, brown and yellow patches in an irregular arrangement |
| Legs: |
6 |
| Shape: |
Round |
| Size: |
1/16 |
| Antennae: |
True |
| Region: |
|
Varied carpet beetles get their name from the rainbow of color on their back surfaces.
Habits
These pests enjoy dining on carpets, woolen fabrics, dead insects, furs, hides, feathers, horns, hair, silk and bones. It can take 249-354 days to three years for varied carpet beetles to grow from an egg to an adult.
Habitat
Varied carpet beetles are found in homes in attics, Oriental carpets, tapestries and wood-based wall-to-wall carpeting.
Threats
Varied carpet beetles feed on dead insects, but also feed on upholstery and carpet, so they can damage those materials. They can also damage clothing fabric.
Prevention:
As with moths, to avoid varied carpet beetle infestations, store clothing in plastic containers. Dry clean clothing thoroughly before storing for long periods of time.