Do Carpet Beetles Eat Food

Unlike other species like wood beetles that only eat wood carpet beetles will eat almost anything.

Do carpet beetles eat food. Carpet beetles are the most dangerous type of beetle to most homeowners. Where do carpet beetles live. However this isn t a 100 rule for them as sometimes they do eat synthetic materials if they have a good layer of seasoning on them. And almost anything else they might encounter.

Plant based materials cereal pet food bird seed etc stored in kitchens and basements or cached by rodents are other possible sources of carpet beetles. Carpet beetles congregate wherever animal fibers can be consumed. Today s carpet is made from synthetic materials that carpet beetles won t eat. The varied carpet beetle anthrenus verbasci the furniture carpet beetle anthrenus flavipes and the black carpet beetle attagenus unicolor.

If you do it s important to find where carpet beetles may be living or laying eggs. In addition to wool carpet beetles can feed on silk hair feathers and fur. Look at all items with fabrics they may eat and be sure to pay attention to folds and creases in the fabric. These types of materials carpet beetles routinely feast on include wool felt leather silk fur and feathers.

As the name suggests carpet beetles are important pests in wool carpets and rugs. Although they can chew through whole fabric they re more likely to seek out damaged or torn fabrics. These beetles may also eat synthetic fabrics if they are soiled with food or oils. Carpet beetles are attracted to loose easily consumed food sources.

In california 3 species of carpet beetles cause serious damage to fabrics carpets furs stored food and preserved specimens such as taxidermies. If synthetic materials have been coated in things like sweat oil or food carpet beetles have been known to make an. They may also feed on plant materials including books grains spices and pet foods. Clothing furniture wool sisal jute carpets leather blankets pet food pet hair crumbs dead insects.

Carpet beetle larva feeding on a wool sports jacket.