Manhattan pest control professionals are often called to panicked residents homes when they find strange looking insects creeping around bedrooms, living rooms, and closets.  These insects are common, yet not widely discussed, especially with the mass media coverage of blood sucking bed bugs in the United States.

Despite their similar look, often times the offending insects that are believed to be bed bugs are not bed bugs at all.  Instead these little bugs are carpet beetles.  The name “carpet beetle” is a result of these pests eating woolen carpets that are not typically found in homes of today.  Carpet beetles do not feed upon human blood, nor do they feed upon synthetic fibers.  These pests do however require extermination as they are very difficult to control and they do multiply with ease.

Carpet beetles are round in shape and are about 1/8 of an inch long.  They can be black, brown-black, or multi colored insects that are shiny.  They infest woolen fabrics, feathers, stuffed animals, food products, and any other type of article that originates from an animal source.

Carpet beetle larvae are reddish or light brown.  Their elongated bodies are covered in hair which makes them easy to disguise themselves in dust bunnies that gather along walls, in closets, or under bedding and furniture.  Female carpet beetles will lay their eggs along the edge of carpets, behind baseboard, in air ducts, or in areas where dead insects can be found.

Carpet beetles do not pose a threat to humans, but they are an annoying pest.  They are particularly active in the late winter months.  Carpet beetle infestations can be avoided by keeping susceptible items in a sealed container.  A licensed pest control professional can also help keep carpet beetles away. It is important to properly identify any type of home invading pest before any treatment procedure begins.  Call Stern Environmental Group for expert pest control services in NYC, NY, NJ and CT.