Varied Carpet Beetle in House: Check Pantry

Varied carpet beetle

Bug in house, unknown source. Photo shows varied carpet beetle.

Larvae Are the Problem

• Adults = pollen feeders (harmless).
• Larvae = eat dry pet food, cereals, spices, wool, silk, feathers, dead insects.

Source Hunt

1. Kitchen/pantry: Check all dry goods, pet food bags.
2. Closets: Woolens, furs, feathers.
3. Attic/basement: Dead insect accumulations (wasps, cluster flies).

Control

• Discard infested items.
• Vacuum thoroughly (cracks, corners).
• Store vulnerable items in airtight containers.
• Pheromone traps for monitoring.

Common pest. Source removal = control.