Varied Carpet Beetles

Anthrenus Verbasci

Description: Varied Carpet Beetles get their name from the rainbow of color on their back surfaces.

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

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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.

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Habitat: Varied Carpet Beetles are found in homes in attics, Oriental carpets, tapestries and wood-based wall-to-wall carpeting.

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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.

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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.

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