Pest Guide: Varied Carpet Beetles

(Anthrenus verbasci)
Varied carpet beetles get their name from the rainbow of color on their back surfaces.

Size	Color	Legs	Shape	Antenanae
1/16″	Black centers, with white, brown and yellow patches in an irregular arrangement	6	Round	True

Habitat

Varied carpet beetles are found in homes in attics, Oriental carpets, tapestries and wood-based wall-to-wall carpeting.

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.

Control / 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.

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.