An infestation can be identified through discovery of damage to fabrics shed skin as well as visible larval movement.
Bugs in carpet that shed skin.
Feeding damage caused by carpet beetles.
Their old skins split down the back much like a cicada nymph s shell and the larvae work their way out.
Obviously carpet beetles will also eat through the fabrics in your home.
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.
They can cause an allergic reaction if they come.
The best way to tell carpet beetle damage from clothes moth damage is to look for shed skins left behind by carpet beetle larvae.
Unlike bed bugs however carpet beetles won t bite you.
Because carpet beetle larvae feed on lint dust and animal hairs strict housekeeping procedures may help to keep an infestation at bay.
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.
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.
Dry cleaning is suggested as carpet beetle larvae thrive on stained clothing.
The bristly hairs on carpet beetle larvae may irritate your skin if you re allergic to them.