Bugs In Carpet That Shed Skin

Feeding damage caused by carpet beetles.

Bugs in carpet that shed skin.

Their old skins split down the back much like a cicada nymph s shell and the larvae work their way out. The best way to tell carpet beetle damage from clothes moth damage is to look for shed skins left behind by carpet beetle larvae. Some people can be allergic to carpet beetles although most aren t. One pest company had given her a quote of 1200 to come and treat for bed bugs but a second pest company suspected carpet beetles instead of bed bugs due to the fact that the wife was getting the bites and the husband was not.

Unlike bed bugs however carpet beetles won t bite you. Coming into contact with carpet beetles when you re allergic may create a rash or bite like marks on your skin. Specifically the allergy is to larvae bristles or skin that s been shed. An infestation can be identified through discovery of damage to fabrics shed skin as well as visible larval movement.

A typical larva top and shed skin bottom. As noted earlier carpet beetle larvae feed on animal based materials especially wool felt fur silk feathers and leather. Because carpet beetle larvae feed on lint dust and animal hairs strict housekeeping procedures may help to keep an infestation at bay. Dry cleaning is suggested as carpet beetle larvae thrive on stained clothing.

The larvae have to molt several times in order to grow. Obviously carpet beetles will also eat through the fabrics in your home.