The black carpet beetle is the most destructive and abundant of the so-called carpet beetles. This beetle is cosmopolitan in distribution.

The adult black carpet beetle is small (3mm or 3/16 inch) with an elongated oval body. It is dark brown to black, with a covering of short black hairs.

In the spring, the adults are attracted to flowers, where they feed on pollen, congregate, and mate. After mating, the female searches for a suitable place to lay her eggs. In nature, the eggs are laid in animal nests where the larvae feed on feathers, hair and other debris. Beetles become pests when a female enters the house to lay eggs. In houses, the eggs are usually deposited in accumulations of lint, in floor crevices, behind baseboards, and in heating ducts.

The full-grown larvae are small (6mm), carrot-shaped, and moderately hairy with a long slender brush of hairs at the tip of the abdomen.

Larvae are reclusive, preferring to remain in dark, out-of-the-way places like closets, stacks of seldom-disturbed clothing and fabrics, upholstered furniture, and carpet edges (especially where it is tucked under baseboards or heat registers).

Larvae require nine months to three years to complete their development, depending on temperature, humidity, and availability of food; most common is one year. Pupation requires 6 to 24 days.

Mature larvae are great wanderers and may be found in many areas of the home. They frequently turn up stranded in sinks and tubs, particurlarly in the fall, winter, and early spring.

Black carpet beetles are general scavengers, and all damage is caused by the larvae. They are known to infest dead animal materials, hair, fur, bristles, feathers, hides, leather, horns, woolens, silk, felt, burlap, lint, insulation, books, bird and rodent nests, flour, spices, cereals, grains, seeds, rice, nuts, spices, and pet foods.

In addition to directly damaging foodstuffs, they also bore through cardboard packaging and provide entryways for other kitchen pests like grain beetles, flour beetles and meal moths.

For a complete listing of suggested control options for all home, yard and garden insect pests, contact your local extension service, found under Local Government in the phone book.

Read and follow instructions on any pesticide label, especially all warnings. Check with your physician if you have any concerns regarding your personal health risk.

Courtesy MSU Extension