VARIED CARPET BEETLE
PEST DATA:
Color: Black centers, irregular white, brown, yellow patches
Legs: 6
Shape: Round
Size: 1/16″
Antennae: Yes
Region: Entire US
Their backs are a patchwork of black, white, brown, and yellow.
HABITS:
They feed on keratin, animal protein, wool, fur, felt, silk, feathers, skins, leather natural carpets, dead insects, horns, hair, and bones.
HABITAT:
Carpet beetles are found in closets, attics, carpets or any place that might have a food source.
THREATS:
Carpet beetles can damage upholstery, clothes, carpets, blankets, pillows, comforters, and taxidermy.
PREVENTION:
Dry clean clothing thoroughly before storing for long periods of time in sealed plastic containers. Use moth balls when necessary.
FURNITURE CARPET BEETLE
PEST DATA:
Color: Black centers, with white, brown and yellow patches in an irregular arrangement
Legs: 6
Shape: Round
Size: 1/16″
Antennae: Yes
Region: Entire US
HABITS:
They feed on keratin, animal protein, wool, fur, felt, silk, feathers, skins, leather natural carpets, dead insects, horns, hair, and bones.
HABITAT:
Carpet beetles are found in closets, attics, carpets or any place that might have a food source.
THREATS:
Carpet beetles can damage upholstery, clothes, carpets, blankets, pillows, comforters, and taxidermy.
PREVENTION:
Dry clean clothing thoroughly before storing for long periods of time in sealed plastic containers. Use moth balls when necessary.
WEBBING CLOTHES MOTH
PEST DATA:
Color: Light yellowish-brown.
Legs: 6
Shape: Long triangular
Size: 1/2″
Antennae: Yes
Region: Entire US
Webbing clothes moth are also known as the common clothes moth.
HABITS:
The caterpillars are considered a serious pest, as they feed on natural fibers, including wool clothing and stored grains and produce.
HABITAT:
They prefer dim areas and if disturbed by bright lights will move underneath furniture or carpet edges. Area rugs are often a target because larvae can easily crawl underneath to feed and do damage. They will also crawl to the edges of rooms and hide within cracks in search of darkness and food.
THREATS:
They can damage clothing, carpets, natural fabrics, leather, hides, furs, feathers, horns, hair, silk and bone.
PREVENTION:
Regularly vacuum carpets. Dry clean or air clothing outside. Place camphor, mothballs, lavender, or red cedar in closets that are not accessible by children or pets. Remove abandoned bird and insect nests attached to building structures.
BLACK CARPET BEETLE
PEST DATA:
Color: Larva has light/dark brown stripes. Adult has scales that are black.
Legs: 6
Shape: Round
Size: 1/16″
Antennae: Yes
Region: Entire US
Their backs are various shades of black.
HABITS:
They feed on keratin, animal protein, wool, fur, felt, silk, feathers, skins, leather natural carpets, dead insects, horns, hair, and bones.
HABITAT:
Carpet beetles are found in closets, attics, carpets or any place that might have a food source.
THREATS:
Carpet beetles can damage upholstery, clothes, carpets, blankets, pillows, comforters, and taxidermy.
PREVENTION:
Dry clean clothing thoroughly before storing for long periods of time in sealed plastic containers. Use moth balls when necessary.
DUST MITE
PEST DATA:
Color: Off White – Tan
Legs: 8
Shape: Bean shaped
Size: 1/75″
Antennae: No
Region: Entire US
HABITS:
House dust are microscopic bugs that feed on dead skin shed by humans and pets as well as other protein sources that have a dry or low moisture content. Dust mites excel at absorbing moisture and multiply during humid months.
HABITAT:
A bed contains from 100,000 to 10 million mites inside due to the abundance of dander. 10% of the weight of a used pillow can consist of dead mites and their feces. Upwards of 100,000 mites can live in a single square yard of carpet. They are also found on furniture and clothing.
THREATS:
Protein substances in dust mite droppings produce antibodies in humans and pets which may cause an allergic reaction. This may result in nasal congestion, itching, watery eyes, sneezing and swelling and irritation of respiratory passages. 50-80% of people with asthma are affected by dust mites.
PREVENTION:
Enclose mattresses and pillows in a protective cover. Wash bed linens often using very hot water and change beds at least every two weeks. Reduce temperature and humidity to control dust mite populations. Frequently vacuum beds, pillows and carpets using a HEPA filter vacuum.