Varied Carpet Beetle, Anthrenus verbasci
Varied carpet beetle, Anthrenus verbasci is a common household and museum pest casing damage to various fabrics of animal origin, carpets, woolen goods, fur, silk, upholstery and stuffed animals. Infestation usually occurs in undisturbed areas, such as below items of heavy furniture or the edges of carpets. It is possible for the carpet beetles to attack synthetic carpets, particularly if they are heavily dusted with organic food debris.

Varied Carpet Beetle, Anthrenus verbasci Nature of damage

The adult female beetle lays eggs in dark undisturbed areas. The eggs hatch into red-brown coloured larvae or grubs covered with tufted hairs. It is this larval stage that causes the damage to fabrics, rugs, felts and carpets. When they are fully fed, the larvae change into an immobile pupal stage and after several weeks, turn into adult beetles. The adult beetles usually fly to exterior areas where they are often attracted to white flowers. The adult sometimes found on the inside of windows as they try to fly outside.

Varied Carpet Beetle, Anthrenus verbasci Biology

Adults, 2-3mm long, body strongly convex; colour: variable, brown or black. Adult varied carpet beetles are small with compact, rounded, oval bodies. Their legs and head are not obvious and are often hidden under the body. The larvae are brown in colour with 3 bunches of golden hairs on tip of abdomen. Carpet beetles are widely distributed and can be found inside homes and other buildings where food is available. Adult carpet beetles lay eggs near food sources and larvae feed, often for more than six months, on the surface or inside the material. After a pupal period of typically two to three weeks, the adult beetles emerge in spring or summer. 

Varied Carpet Beetle, Anthrenus verbasci monitoring

Russell IPM manufactures and supplies pheromone lure, traps and complete monitoring systems for varied carpet beetle, Anthrenus verbasci. The safe store carpet beetle monitoring trap provides early warning of the infestation and also alters the pest controller before the infestation become serious.