Carpet Beetle

There are many different species of carpet beetles, including the most common in the greater Richmond area: the varied carpet beetle (shown above), the black carpet beetle, the common carpet beetle, and the furniture carpet beetle. All of these species are small, less than 1/4 inch long, and oval. Sometimes, they are mistaken for seeds at first glance because they appear similar in size, shape, and (as they age) color. Most species of carpet beetles have patches of colored hair (as seen in the picture above), which can wear off over time, giving them a darker, more shiny appearance.

 

Females will lay 30-100 eggs in their lifetime, generally choosing places such like cracks in walls, foundations or floorboard; gaps in baseboards; piles of lint; etc. While it can take months (even years) to get to the adult phase, the carpet beetles only live in the adult form for a month or two.

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For even more information about carpet beetles, check out our blog post