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Carpet Beetles in Wichita and Kansas City: Tiny Larvae, Big Fabric Damage
Found tiny, fuzzy "worms" in a closet or along a baseboard? That is a classic carpet beetle story. Here is what to know.
Quick Answers
The larvae cause the damage. The adults only eat pollen.
Larvae are small and fuzzy or carrot-shaped, about 3/16 to 1/2 inch long.
They eat wool, fur, feathers, silk, leather, hair and lint.
They also go after cotton and synthetic fabric that is soiled with sweat, body oils or spills.
One generation can take 9 months to 2 years, so a small problem can stick around.
What do carpet beetles look like?
Adults are tiny and round, about 1/8 inch long. The varied carpet beetle has brown, yellow and white scales. The black carpet beetle is shiny and solid black. You will usually spot the larvae first. They are fuzzy, striped and brown, or brown and carrot-shaped with a brushy tail. You may also find their shed skins in lint and dust.
Where do carpet beetles hide?
They like lint, hair and dust. Check along baseboards, under the edges of rugs, under heavy furniture, behind built-in storage and around air ducts. They also feed on dead insects, so look at window sills, light covers and attic corners. Old bird, bee and wasp nests near your home can be a source too.
Why do they keep coming back?
Their life cycle is long, and they hide in places we rarely clean. Stored wool or fur that sits for months is an easy meal. If the source is a nest or a pile of lint in a wall, cleaning the room will not fix it.
What can you do today?
Vacuum carpets, baseboards, upholstery and under furniture. Go slow along the edges.
Empty the vacuum outside right away.
Wash or dry clean wool and other items you do not use often. Store them in sealed containers.
Do not store clothes that are soiled.
Clear dead insects from sills, light covers and attic corners.
Take a clear photo of what you find so a pro can confirm it.
When should you call a pro?
Call if you still see larvae after a good cleaning, or if you find damage in more than one room. A pro can look for the hidden source, like a nest or a lint pile in a wall, and treat the right spots.
Learn more: our pest guide for Wichita and Kansas City, and what to know about clothes moths.
Wichita: (316) 775-7867. Overland Park and Kansas City: (913) 222-2847.
Quick FAQ
Do carpet beetle adults eat my clothes? No. Adults feed on pollen. The larvae are the ones that damage fabric.
What do carpet beetle larvae look like? They are small, fuzzy or carrot-shaped and brown, about 3/16 to 1/2 inch long.
How long do carpet beetles live? A life cycle can take about 9 months to 2 years, depending on the type.
Sources
Bug Shockers: The Shockingly Smart Choice.
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