Many New Jersey homeowners have been calling pest control specialists for help because they are afraid that the dreaded bed bug has made their way into their home.  Once pest control has arrived on the scene, homeowners have been surprised to find out that their infestation is not that of the blood sucking bed bugs, but instead they are being invaded by another household pest…the carpet beetle.  It’s not surprising that people confuse carpet beetles with bed bugs because to the untrained eye, they can look somewhat similar in their appearance.

Bed bugs are small, brownish colored insects that are oval shaped.  Adult bed bugs are about 3/16 of an inch when full grown.  The nymphs (baby bed bugs) resemble the adults, but are much smaller and lighter in color.  These bugs have flattened bodies until they receive a blood meal at which time they plumb up and become reddish brown.  Bed bugs do not fly and have six legs.

There are several different types of carpet beetles that vary in size and color to keep an eye out for, so it’s no wonder that people get confused when they see some of these creatures lurking around their house.  All adult carpet beetles can fly, and like the bed bug, they also have six legs.  The adult black carpet beetle is oval and can grow up to 3/16 of an inch.  The adult varied carpet beetle is gray, white, and brown with yellow scales with black crossbands.  The adult common carpet beetle can grow to about 1/8 of an inch.  It is gray to black in color and is almost round in shape.  Adult furniture carpet beetles can grow to 1/8 of an inch long.  They are almost round, and are whitish checkered with black spots, with yellowish orange scales.

Carpet beetles do not need blood in order to survive; but they are considered a damaging household pest that needs eradication regardless.  Carpet beetles are not discriminate feeders and will eat plant and animal substances.  When found outside, carpet beetles are known to eat flower pollen from dogwood, crepe myrtle, spirea, daisies, wild asters and buckwheat with white or cream-colored flowers.

Please check back on Friday for the conclusion.