| 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. |
