Tiny Brown Bugs in Closet and Bed: Carpet Beetle Larvae from Hidden Food Source

The tiny (1/8" or less), slow, brownish-red bugs with a "tail" found in closets, books, and bed are carpet beetle larvae (Dermestidae). The "tail" is the posterior tuft of hairs.

Source

• Infested stored food: dry pet food, cereals, spices, nuts, birdseed.
• Or natural fibers: wool, silk, feathers, leather, pet hair accumulations.
• Even a few kibbles of dog food under a baseboard can sustain a population.

Action

1. Deep clean the affected rooms: vacuum cracks, baseboards, shelves.
2. Inspect all food storage. Discard infested items. Freeze questionable 4 days.
3. Check woolens, taxidermy, stored blankets.
4. Store kept goods in airtight containers.

See livingwithbugs.com/carpet_beetle.html. No insecticide needed—sanitation breaks the cycle.