Discovering tiny fuzzy bugs on your bed can be an alarming experience. You might be dealing with carpet beetle larvae; these small pests are known for causing damage to fabrics, furniture, and other household items. In this article, we will explore what carpet beetle larvae are, how they end up in your home, and what you can do to prevent and control these unwanted visitors.
Carpet beetle larvae are tear-drop shaped and covered in light brown hairs, giving them a fuzzy appearance. They often go unnoticed, hiding behind furniture or along baseboards where they feed on lint, pet hair, food crumbs, and other organic debris. These insects are primarily scavengers, meaning they prefer to feed on dead materials, but can cause damage to your belongings in the process.
If you suspect you have carpet beetle larvae in your home, you’ll want to start by identifying them. Adult carpet beetles are small (about 3-5 millimeters) and can have patterned or dark-colored wing covers, depending on the species. Keep in mind that larvae have alternating light and dark stripes and are also covered in tiny hairs. Armed with this knowledge, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle the issue head-on and reclaim your space.
Recognizing Tiny Fuzzy Bugs on the Bed
You might occasionally spot tiny fuzzy bugs on your bed, which are likely carpet beetle larvae. Don’t worry, as these bugs are common and can be managed. Here’s what you need to know about them:
Appearance
Carpet beetle larvae, also known as wooly bears, are small and fuzzy with a distinctive brown color. Their bodies are covered in hair-like bristles or scales, which give them a fuzzy appearance. Some common features include:
- Brown color
- Fuzzy texture from hair, scales, or bristles
- Small size (usually a few millimeters long)
To help you recognize carpet beetle larvae, consider comparing them to other common bed bugs. For example, bed bugs are:
- Flat and oval-shaped
- Reddish-brown
- Usually larger than carpet beetle larvae
Habitats
Carpet beetle larvae are usually found in areas with natural fibers, including your bed. They are known to feed on fabrics, carpets, and even stuffed animals. Keep an eye out for signs of their presence such as:
- Shed skins
- Tiny holes in fabric or carpet
- Fecal pellets
Managing Carpet Beetle Larvae
If you find carpet beetle larvae in your bed, take some simple steps to minimize their impact:
- Vacuum your bed and surrounding areas to remove any larvae, skins, or eggs.
- Wash your bed linens and use hot water to kill any remaining bugs or eggs.
Remember to regularly clean your bedroom and check for signs of carpet beetle larvae to prevent their future infestations.
Understanding Carpet Beetle Lifecycle
Carpet beetles are common household pests that can cause damage to your fabrics and furniture. Let’s explore their lifecycle to better understand their habits and how to deal with them.
The Lifecycle Stages of Carpet Beetles:
-
Eggs: Female carpet beetles lay about 40-90 eggs in lint around baseboards, carpet edges, cracks, or other hidden areas. These tiny eggs hatch within one to two weeks.
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Larvae: The hatched larvae are the stage that cause damage to your belongings, feeding on materials such as carpets, clothing, and upholstery. Carpet beetle larvae are tear-drop shaped, covered with light brown hairs, and can range from 3-7mm in length. They molt 8-17 times before transitioning to the next stage, which takes a few months.
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Pupa: The larvae eventually become pupae, where they undergo metamorphosis. This stage typically lasts around two to three weeks.
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Adults: Finally, adult carpet beetles emerge in late spring and early summer. These beetles are small (1⁄10- to 1/8-inch long) and have distinct color patterns, often being gray to black with patches of white or yellow. They mainly feed on pollen and nectar, and once they find a mate, the cycle starts anew.
To summarize, the carpet beetle lifecycle has four main stages: eggs, larvae, pupa, and adults. They reproduce quickly and can become an issue if not managed properly. By understanding their lifecycle, you can better prevent and address infestations in your home. Make sure to keep your home clean and free of potential food sources for these pests, such as lint, pet hair, and organic debris.
Habitats and Feeding Habits
Carpet beetle larvae, also known as tiny fuzzy bugs on your bed, can be found in various areas of your home. They often live in carpets, furniture, and curtains, making your beds a potential habitat for them. They can also dwell on upholstered furniture and carpeting.
These tiny creatures primarily feed on natural fibers. Examples of their food sources include:
- Wool
- Silk
- Pollen
- Nectar
- Plants
- Human hair
Carpet beetle larvae are also known to consume organic particles found in your home. While they might not harm your health directly, their feeding habits can damage your possessions made of natural fibers.
Notably, carpet beetle larvae have a preference for dark and hidden spaces. You can often find them underneath carpets, behind furniture, or in small crevices. Regular cleaning and vacuuming can help prevent their infestation.
In summary, carpet beetle larvae are commonly found in various parts of your home, especially in areas with natural fibers. Remember to keep your living spaces clean and well-maintained to minimize their presence.
Identifying Damage Caused by Carpet Beetles
Carpet beetles are a common household pest, and they may be feasting on your belongings without you even realizing it. The larvae of these tiny insects can cause significant damage to a variety of items, from textiles and clothing to furniture and mattresses.
Some common signs of carpet beetle damage include:
- Holes or bare spots. You may notice small holes or worn areas on your wool clothing, bedding, or upholstery. This is a sign that carpet beetle larvae have been feeding on the fabric.
- Frayed edges and thinning. If your textiles or clothing are showing signs of fraying or thinning, this could also be a result of carpet beetle damage.
- Accumulation of larval debris. Carpet beetle larvae shed their skins as they grow, so you may find shed skins near damaged fabrics or in the corners of your room.
When inspecting your home for carpet beetle damage, pay special attention to areas where organic materials, such as wool and fur, are stored. These materials are a primary food source for carpet beetle larvae, so damage is most likely to occur in these locations.
Keep a keen eye on your valuable belongings, such as:
- Wool clothing
- Silk items
- Fur coats or accessories
- Feather-filled pillows or duvets
- Animal trophies or taxidermy
To prevent carpet beetle infestations, regularly clean and vacuum your home, particularly in areas where organic materials are present. Store valuable textiles and clothing in airtight containers or vacuum-sealed bags to protect them from carpet beetles and other fabric pests.
Different Species of Carpet Beetles
When you find tiny fuzzy bugs on your bed, they might be carpet beetle larvae. There are several species to be aware of, such as the varied carpet beetle, common carpet beetle, furniture carpet beetle, and black carpet beetle.
The varied carpet beetle is known for its tear-drop shape and light brown hairs. They are scavengers that typically feed on lint, pet hair, food crumbs, and other organic debris. On the other hand, common carpet beetles are nearly round, gray to black in color, and have a distinctive band of orange-red scales on their backs. They can grow up to 1/8-inch long and are often found in baseboards and carpet edges.
Furniture carpet beetles are another species to watch out for. These beetles typically target upholstered furniture and can damage fabric, leather, and other materials. Lastly, the black carpet beetle is a larger species, with larvae measuring 3-7 mm in length.
Comparing them further:
| Species | Shape | Color | Length | Habitat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Varied Carpet Beetle | Tear-drop | Light brown | — | Lint, pet hair, food crumbs, organic debris |
| Common Carpet Beetle | Nearly round | Gray to black, orange-red | Up to 1/8-inch | Baseboards, carpet edges |
| Furniture Carpet Beetle | — | — | — | Upholstered furniture |
| Black Carpet Beetle | — | — | 3-7 mm | — |
Remember to keep your home clean and regularly vacuum to prevent carpet beetles from infesting your bed or other areas. By identifying the species, you can take proper action to control and eliminate these tiny fuzzy bugs.
Ways to Detect Carpet Beetle Infestation
Detecting a carpet beetle infestation early can save you from potential damage to your possessions and home. Here are some ways to identify an infestation:
Carpet beetles love dark, undisturbed areas. Begin by inspecting your home’s baseboards, windows, and walls. Look for small, fuzzy bugs crawling on surfaces or hiding in crevices.
Next, examine your belongings. Carpet beetles often feed on materials like wool, fur, or silk. Check your clothing, upholstered furniture, and rugs for any signs of damage or larvae. Don’t forget to inspect your closets and drawers, too.
In addition to visual cues, you may experience unusual skin irritations due to the presence of tiny carpet beetle hairs. While not everyone is sensitive to these hairs, some people may develop an itchy rash.
A less known sign of infestation is an accumulation of shed larval skins. These sheddings might collect in corners, cracks, or openings throughout your home.
To help you spot the differences between carpet beetles and other common household pests, consider creating a comparison table listing their distinctive features.
Prevention and Control of Carpet Beetles
To prevent carpet beetle infestations, focus on cleanliness. Regularly clean your home, including sweeping, vacuuming, and dusting, to keep the areas free from debris and possible food sources for the beetles.
Pay special attention to areas where lint, hair, dead insects, and other debris may accumulate, as these serve as food for carpet beetles. Dispose of badly infested items, and remove old spider webs, as well as bird, rodent, bee, and wasp nests that could harbor infestations.
Heavier fabrics and upholstered furniture may benefit from steam cleaning. This method not only eliminates current infestations but also helps to sanitize and protect from future problems. Ensure that your fabrics and rugs are dry cleaned regularly to maintain their longevity and avoid infestations.
Natural remedies:
- Diatomaceous earth: Sprinkling diatomaceous earth around infested areas helps by dehydrating the insects and killing them.
- Boric acid: A powder that works well as a pesticide for carpet beetles when applied to infested areas.
However, be cautious when applying these substances, as they can also be harmful to humans and pets.
In conclusion, prevention and control of carpet beetles rely primarily on maintaining a clean living environment and eliminating potential breeding grounds for these pests. Utilizing various cleaning methods and natural remedies will assist in keeping your home carpet beetle-free.
Natural vs Chemical Solutions
When dealing with tiny fuzzy bugs like carpet beetle larvae, you have two main options: natural and chemical solutions. Let’s compare them.
Natural Solutions:
- Non-toxic and eco-friendly
- Involves regular cleaning, trapping, or using natural repellents
- Examples: diatomaceous earth, vinegar, and manual removal
Chemical Solutions:
- Fast-acting and highly effective
- May involve the use of poisonous pesticides
- Examples: boric acid, commercial insecticides, and foggers
In terms of pests, natural solutions can be effective against a variety of insects, including caterpillars, wasps, and cockroaches. By maintaining a clean home environment, laundering bedding frequently, and using natural remedies, such as vinegar or diatomaceous earth, you can help prevent and control infestations.
On the other hand, chemical solutions, like boric acid, can quickly exterminate pests. However, they may also harm beneficial insects, pose risks to your health, and harm the environment.
To make an informed decision, consider the severity of the infestation and the risks associated with each method. For a mild infestation, natural remedies might be sufficient, while a more severe infestation may require chemical interventions. In any case, always remember to follow the product’s instructions and take proper safety precautions.
Campbell’s Approach to Carpet Beetle Control
Carpet beetle larvae, also known as tiny fuzzy bugs on your bed, can be quite a nuisance. If you’re looking for an effective solution, Campbell’s approach to carpet beetle control might be helpful.
Campbell offers a comprehensive strategy for dealing with these pests. First, they suggest thorough cleaning and vacuuming to eliminate the larvae and their food sources. This includes paying attention to hidden corners and crevices where the larvae might be hiding.
To help prevent future infestations, try the following tips:
- Regularly vacuum and clean rugs, carpets, and upholstered furniture
- Seal cracks and crevices around your home
- Store clothes, linens, and blankets in sealed bags or containers
In some cases, you might need professional assistance to control the infestation. Expert exterminators can provide targeted treatments to effectively eliminate carpet beetle larvae and ensure they don’t return.
Remember to be patient with this process, as it might take a few weeks to notice significant results. With persistence and consistency in your efforts, you’ll soon regain control of your living space free from these tiny fuzzy bugs.
Conclusion
Carpet beetle larvae may be tiny fuzzy bugs you find on your bed, but they also show up in various places indoors and outside your home. They particularly become more active during the spring season. To help you navigate through this article, let’s recall the table of contents we covered.
- Identifying Carpet Beetle Larvae
- Preventing Infestations
- Safe Removal Techniques
Carpet beetle larvae can cause damage to various fabrics, upholstery, and even packaged food. You should keep an eye out for their presence and take swift action when you spot them. If you follow the prevention tips we discussed, you’ll likely minimize their appearances in your home.
Remember that you can handle mild infestations by vacuuming and washing affected areas. For severe infestations, consider enlisting the help of a professional exterminator. With a friendly and proactive approach, you can keep these tiny bugs at bay and maintain a clean and cozy living space.
Reader Emails
Over the years, our website, whatsthatbug.com has received hundreds of letters and some interesting images asking us about these insects. Scroll down to have a look at some of them.
Letter 1 – Carpet Beetles: Bed Bug Paranoia spawns cleaning frenzy
So you think you’ve got bedbugs? Don’t jump the gun.
February 3, 2010
Dear Bugman,
Thank you for just being you. This is a wonderful blog. I will spare you my gushing, but suffice it to say that this experience has turned me from a bug hater to a bug enthusiast! Here’s my little story:
I was doing a little(overdue) cleaning under my bed last Sunday, and pulled out a cotton sock that had little bugs on it. I admit, I panicked. I found more in and on a broken umbrella that I meant to throw away, and immediately ran to bag those things and put them outside. I have noticed that bedbugs have been getting a lot of press these days, so I assumed that’s what they were. I completely flipped out and commenced to cleaning my whole room top to bottom, baseboards first. I found another smaller nest of them under/behind st of drawers on a couple of cotton balls in a little nest of cathair, human hair, and dust. I have two cats that live indoors, so my bedroom had quite a bit of cathair on the floor. Gross, I know, but these bugs were loving it I guess. It’s like a Vegas buffet in there!
Anyway, I did a lot of internet research after I flipped out (bagging my mattresses and boiling my sheets) and began to think that maybe I had something that’s not a bedbug.
I hadn’t gotten any real bites that I was aware of, but I deduced the ‘bedbugs’ must be feeding off my cat, Prissy, who happens to have a bald, itchy belly right now. I also found one, lone bug between my boxpring and mattress. I found a few more around the plastic reinforcing corner on my boxspring. That was my confirmation that I needed to evacuate. Besides that, I was itching like crazy just thinking about them.
Today I finally found a few that I had not yet dispatched (sorry) so we had a little photoshoot. They are either very sleepy or dead, because the ones that were not just casings (or skeletons) don’t move a lot that I can tell.
While I was under my chest of drawers (also wood, like my headboard, and used) I saw a brighter, more active bug with orangey black striped/spotted wings. Again, I was freaking when I saw that, so into the trash it went.
After I looked at the pictures I took, I thought I may have carpet beetle larvae instead of the dreaded bedbug. I am praying that you can confirm this! Thanks for your time, and keep up the great work.
Jen in TN
Pulaski, Tennessee, USA (Mid-South USA)
Good Morning Jen,
It must give you such pleasure to awake in such a clean bedroom. If only we would be similarly inspired to thoroughly clean our own room, we would probably find some Carpet Beetle Larvae as well. Goodness knows how many we would find in our own cat’s favorite hiding place in the back of the closet. You are correct that these are Carpet Beetle Larva. We wanted to direct your attention to another letter from our archives, and we couldn’t locate it, so we are transferring the information from our old computer to the new computer and reposting as it seems to have gotten lost in the site migration. Thanks so much for your highly entertaining contribution.
Letter 2 – Bed Bug hysteria leads to misidentified Carpet Beetle Larvae
Possible Bedbugs?
Location: San Diego, Ca
October 24, 2010 2:53 am
My fiancee and I found these bugs in our bedroom and are afraid that they are bedbugs or at the very least harmful to us and our family. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Signature: Thank you in advance!
These are Carpet Beetle Larvae, NOT Bed Bugs. While it is true that there is cause for concern regarding Bed Bugs, we believe the number of requests we are receiving recently from people who believe they have Bed Bugs is being fueled by media coverage. Infestations of Bed Bugs are on the rise, especially in crowded urban areas, and an infestation of Bed Bugs can be extremely difficult to eradicate. Unscrupulous exterminators will separate you from your money should you place paranoid calls for every unknown creature you find in your home. While these Carpet Beetle Larvae are unwelcome visitors in the home, and while the exterminator may be able to kill the individuals currently present, that will not prevent future generations of Carpet Beetle Larvae from appearing in your home. Carpet Beetles will feed on many types of organic material, including pet hair. They are cosmopolitan and they may appear anywhere organic fibers may be found. Carpet Beetles and Pantry Beetles are among the most frequent identification requests we receive, and our archives are filled with information on how to control their numbers. Unlike Bed Bugs, Carpet Beetles and Pantry Beetles will not harm humans, and exterminators may claim to be able to eradicate them, but they will return unless the underlying problems are located. Bed Bugs are a totally different matter, but we would strongly urge that the presence of Bed Bugs be established conclusively before any fumigation program is initiated. BugGuide has many excellent images of Bed Bugs for comparison.
Letter 3 – Carpet Beetle Larvae mistaken for Bed Bugs yet again!!!
Bed Bug
Location: Indianapolis, IN
November 6, 2010 9:34 pm
I found many of these bugs (20-30) on my mattress & box spring, mainly at the fold where the pillow top meets the main part of the mattress. I’m in Indianapolis, Indiana. Can you please tell me if these are bed bugs?
Signature: Jeff
Dear Jeff,
All of the media attention given to Bed Bugs recently is generating a flurry of identification requests bordering on Bed Bug hysteria. These are not Bed Bugs. They are Carpet Beetle larvae. They feed on organic matter including human hair and pet hair. Vacuuming more thoroughly and turning your mattress more regularly should help control the number of Carpet Beetles you find in your bed.
Letter 4 – Carpet Beetle in Cat’s Bed
Subject: Found where cat sleeps
Location: Scottsbluff, Nebraska
April 4, 2016 1:21 am
I went to my mother’s and saw a bug on her blanket ahhh I am thinking it’s a carpet beetle. She never NEVER vaccums so I’m certain this is it because she said she’s never been bit by them. Scary saw 2 yesterday flushed them then 2 more today, probably would have found more had I searched but I’m freaked out by infestations but here’s my question ahhhh my dog has been there and at my house can she spread them I vaccum almost everyday anyway but I may just go to town on every inch of everywhere more often aghhhghhhhh (ironically I stressed about the loose hair and basically dirt on her back from the dirty house before I found these bugs) it is spring but still pretty cold snowed a few days ago. Just assumed it was that bug seeing the pictures.
Signature: Ugh this sucks
You are correct that this is a Carpet Beetle. Carpet Beetle Larvae will feed on shed pet hair that accumulates, and perhaps your mother has just decided that she wants to lower her carbon footprint by not using the electricity needed to run a vacuum as long as the Carpet Beetle Larvae are eating the shed pet hair. Now, regarding your own fears, we doubt that your dog has transported any Carpet Beetle infestation to your own, obviously very clean home. Since adult Carpet Beetles feed on pollen, and larvae feed on accumulated organic matter in the home, adults generally depart from the home by seeking egress at windows and doors. Similarly, the adult Carpet Beetles will enter homes and procreate if there is a likely food source. Though your mother’s home seems like it will be able to provide nourishment for future generations of Carpet Beetles, your own home does not seem like a hospitable environment for them if they cannot find food. Though we refrain from giving health advice as we haven’t the necessary credentials, it does seem like your stress regarding an imagined infestation in your home is more detrimental to your health than your mother’s more mellow attitude about cleaning is to her health.
Letter 5 – Varied Carpet Beetle and Bed Bug in bed and bumps on back and neck
Subject: Bugs in my bed:(
Location: Columbus, Ohio
March 21, 2016 7:58 pm
I keep finding these bugs in my bed and I don’t know what they are and where they are coming from. The bugs were around 5 millimeters big. Recently I also had some bumps resembling bug bites on my back and neck, though they did not itch. Hopefully you can help me. I have included a picture of one of the bugs I found and the bites which I assume come from these bugs.
Signature: Ellyce
Dear Ellyce,
The bug you found in your bed is a Varied Carpet Beetle, a common household pest. You have bumps on your neck. We cannot say for certain that there is any relationship between the two occurrences. Varied Carpet Beetles are not known to bite humans. Perhaps you can find the cause of the bumps on Healthline which has a page entitled What’s Causing This Raised Bump on My Skin?
Subject: Another bug in my bed:(
Location: Columbus, Ohio
March 21, 2016 8:07 pm
I just sent a message a few minutes ago, but I found a picture of one of the earlier bugs (there’s been four I found total) and this one looks different. This one was between 3 and 4 millimeters.
Thank you.
Signature: Ellyce
Hi again Ellyce,
The second bug you found in your bed is a blood sucking Bed Bug and it might be responsible for the bumps on your neck and back. You indicated the bumps did not itch. The American Academy of Dermatology does make a reference to itching and their Bed Bug page is embedded within the Itchy Skin category. The Terminex site states: “Not everyone reacts to a bed bug bite, but itching is one of the most common reactions for those who do.” Once again, we cannot say for certain that the bumps are related to the presence of bugs in your bed, but you definitely have found a blood sucking Bed Bug and if there is one, there might be more.
Letter 6 – Carpet Beetle Larvae
Subject: striped caterpillars?
Location: Montreal, QC, Canada
July 22, 2016 8:25 am
Hi, i found many of these tiny striped bugs in my couch. They shed their skin. I found alive ones and dead ones. They really like hair and fabric. My slipper was under the couch and it was totally infested. There was also a white thing with stripes that looks like a larvae. It is in the picture along with the caterpillar things and their shedded skins.
Signature: E
Dear E,
Carpet Beetles in the family Dermestidae are common household pests and the Carpet Beetle larvae will feed on a variety of organic materials in the home, including shed pet and human hair.
Letter 7 – Carpet Beetle Larva
Subject: Little fuzzy bug?!
Location: Saint Louis, Missouri
November 29, 2013 11:35 pm
Hi! I found two bugs one at a time each hanging out in clean unused disposable diapers next to my bed. I have never seen them before. The diapers are organic plant based so I was wondering if that’s why I found them there? They are very small like half of a grain of rice. They look either fuzzy or lots of legs. What is this bug, is it dangerous?
Signature: Thank you!
This is a Carpet Beetle Larva, a common household pest that feeds on organic animal fibers like wool, feathers, shed pet hair and shed human hair. We don’t know why it they are being attracted to your organic plant based diapers. Carpet Beetle Larvae are a nuisance in the home, but they are not directly dangerous to humans.
Letter 8 – Carpet Beetle Larva
Subject: hope this is the thing biting me.
Location: Canton, Ohio, USA
November 19, 2012 1:13 am
Hey Bugman. I’m kinda scared to be in my own home. I thought bedbugs were just a story til recently. Long story short, my fiance said he seen a tick-like bug that was reddish-white in color. I being paranoid immediately thought bed bugs. I also have had a couple bites and then recently a small dime size rash looking spot on my chest with small blister-like bumps in it. I freaked out and started searching my bed and couches and came up with nothing, then I pulled off my fitted sheet and found this. It was in the crevice of my bed and was very round like a caterpillar, but picking it with tweezers flattened it. It was also solid colored but the color went out when squeezed. From what I’ve researched I’m thinking it may be a carpet beetle larva, and not a bed bug but I am still freaked out. If this isn’t a bed bug, is it possible that this is what’s causing me to break out? Even though my fiance has no marks or bites or anything. I have two kitte ns that were rescued from outside about six months ago, two rose hair tarantulas (in separate tanks) and a small feeder tank for feeder crickets. I live in apartments and we have raccoons outside and stray cats but I live on the third floor and the outside animals have never been close to my door. I clean regularly and dust and vacuum at least once a week. Any thing will help to hopefully calm my nerves. Thank you!
Signature: LaDesta
Dear LaDesta,
This is a Carpet Beetle Larva and they do not bite. We are not experts in allergic reactions, so we cannot say for certain if any skin reaction you are having is in any way related to Carpet Beetles. If you are being bitten, you need to look elsewhere for the source of the bites. Good luck.
Letter 9 – Carpet Beetle Larvae in Canada
What kind of bug is this
Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada
September 15, 2010 12:57 am
I was vacuuming my room and i came a cross these little bugs that i’ve never seen before. At first i thought they were bed bugs but i did some research and i came to the conclusion that they weren’t, i continued to search to find out what they were because i wanted to know if they will be a problem.
They were all located on the floor around my bed. Most of them were dead. Some were black other had white and brown stripes. they look kind of furry and have many legs.
Signature: Warren
Hi Warren,
Now that you know you have Carpet Beetle Larvae, you should be able to find plenty of information on our own website as well as elsewhere on the internet.
Letter 10 – Carpet Beetle Larva
Subject: Long pillbug with segmented thorax in my makeup!
Location: Az
February 21, 2016 1:46 am
I found this bug in my makeup in mid February, (and promptly threw out said makeup by the way). I’ve seen them before, usually when deep cleaning the grime out of the bottom of drawers (you know how hair and dust collects in the corners of bathroom drawers, and food in kitchen drawers?)It was about the size of a pantry bug, less than the size of a peppercorn, and just hanging out in my purple eye shadow, no waste/feces around it, in fact, it was sitting more on the exposed metal part of my makeup than in the powder. It looked fuzzy just along the sides and out was hard to tell if it had six or eight legs, but appeared more centipede like. It didn’t seem to do well in water (I freaked out a little when I saw it and flicked it into my just used sink. But it didn’t go down the drain once wet; I figured it was dead (it wasn’t moving), so I snapped a few pics and would come back to check later, leaving it so I could try and look it up). I came back a few hours later to find that it had crawled away and my search on the Internet turned up nothing. And so I found you, the bugman!
Signature: Grossed out but curious
Dear Grossed out but curious,
This is a Carpet Beetle Larva, a common household pest.
Letter 11 – Bed Bug, Carpet Beetle Larva or other???
Bug I have never seen before
Location: Ohio
September 24, 2011 4:06 pm
I first found this bug last night when I got some bedding out of my daughter’s closet. Only saw one, but then I saw two more this afternoon in a laundry basket in the basement. Any idea what this is?
Signature: Megan
Hi Megan,
There is not enough detail in your photo for us to say with any certainty what the identity of your insect might be, but two possibilities are a Bed Bug or a Carpet Beetle Larva. A better photograph would help.
I know for a fact that it isn’t a bed bug. Have too much experience with those so I know exactly what those look like! I looked up carpet beetle larva and found this picture (attached). It looks like the bug on the left. Now to research these things and find out more about them. Thank you!
Reader Emails
92509
Reader Emails
Over the years, our website, whatsthatbug.com has received hundreds of letters and some interesting images asking us about these insects. Scroll down to have a look at some of them.
Letter 1 – Unknown Thing found on Husband’s Pillow
Subject: Bug, egg sac, what?!
Geographic location of the bug: Lake Elsinore, CA
Date: 10/22/2017
Time: 12:44 PM EDT
I found this on my husbands pillow. I don’t know if it’s dead, alive, a bug, an egg sac? It doesn’t seem to have legs from what I could tell. Please help!
How you want your letter signed: Bugging out
Dear Bugging out,
There is not enough detail in either your image or in the Thing you want us to identify for us to make an accurate identification. We do not believe this is an Egg Sac. It looks to us like it might be an immature stage of an insect, or it might be the remains of a creature that lost its legs, antennae, wings and other diagnostic features, perhaps because the family cat got it. Perhaps one of our readers will be able to provide more information for you.
so I have a question as well. I’m probably freaking out nite then I should since I have just been attacked by mosquitos I’m pretty sure but in the past week I have found three black bettles and one very small worm thing on my pillow….i figure they can’t be bed bugs because the beetles are very black and have wings unfourtunatly have no pictures because I flushed them but any insight as to what they are and how I can make them go away would be great
At least they were larva from your cats and not bedbugs. My friend has a few cats and shes been talking about larva lately, she says she gets them because of her cat. She uses Demon WP to get rid of them. That stuff also gets rid of bedbugs, ants, spiders and cockroaches. Pretty much every insect you could think of. This post makes me want to go seriously clean my bedroom and hope I don’t find anything.
So i found a black and white catapillar looking bug on my bed very tiny kinda looks like this but not hairy looking and in freaking out please tell me its not since type of bed bug i hate bugs they freak me out i won’t be sleeping in my bed tonight
I hope I don’t get these creepy things. I recently bought a carpet and I’m looking for helpful articles to prepare myself. This one is really one of them. Thanks for sharing and helping me 🙂
.I am going to the same thing I have black spiky things they in my hair .They in my bed they are allover my house they don’t move they be sticking medon’t know what they are but they look just like the picture of black spiky things
Thank you
Yuck…would hate to think that I could possibly have these human blood sucking insects in my bed. Oh the thought just makes me shudder.
Yuck…would hate to think that I could possibly have these human blood sucking insects in my bed. Oh the thought just makes me shudder.
I have this tiny furry hairy beetle like bug that been sticking or biting us. I am trying to figure out what it is. I have a picture of it that I can send to you. I am exhauted and tired if getting bit . It leaves tiny hair particles on bed.
Same thing happened to me other day no idea what it is
You had a funny story once about a woman who kept sending you pieces of fuzz and thought they were bugs. could you publish it
Perhaps this is the posting to which you have referred?
It’s either the underside of a dead carpet beetle or the larval form of some insect that I don’t know of.
How do I get these out of my head
My mom actually had something really similar happen – she was convinced she had bedbugs, and for a couple months was asking me to inspect and photograph her “bites,” but I wasn’t convinced. I did some research and came to the same conclusion OP did. Our family has always has weird allergy/autoimmune stuff going on (ex I get rashes and have asthma attacks when i do cardio) so irritation from the larva hairs when rolling over in bed seemed like it’d make sense. After the pest control company came and put a cover on her mattress, the larvae moved elsewhere, and she hasn’t had any “bites” since.
tl;dr you better be sure it’s bedbugs before you act on it! call a pest company or try and snap up some samples yourself.
We found about ten of these bugs in our bedroom and are worried they are bedbugs. Could you please give us your opinion? We found two on our bed, two in our overnight bags and the rest on the carpet. Help.
Seed Bugs, not Bed Bugs.
Yes! Thank you! Finally I have an answer! Carpet beetles & larvae! I have these all over my house. They get in every thing. Have seen them in the different stages. I used to have carpet in my bedroom. I pulled it up cause I wanted the hardwood floors underneath. I am in South Texas. I have been asking & seeking for awhile, trying to figure them out & how to get rid of them. Thank you! Now I can work on putting an end to them, hopefully.
Is it possible to move without taking a carpet beetle infestation? The house I’m living in is infested bad. We have to move because of it.
Carpet Beetles can move with you. Check all your boxes thoroughly.
What home remedy can you put in your hair? I’m losing hair! History of carpet bettle larvae, moth larvae, fuzzy pink whatever, sometimes blue fuzzy looks like lint, also taking my hair out. Also, what are very small tanish off-white oval larvae looking creatures? Are they baby carpet beetle bugs?
That’s crazy Jacqueline because I’m having the exact same problem as yours described down to the t. Its been exhausting.
Whoever wrote that answer to the question can a dog carry csrpet beetles from one home to another. YES they can and can live on your pet. Cats are included. I have been running my own experiments for 9 years. I have studied these beetles and have worked with my states entomologist to confirm what I have found. If anyone wants to no the truth about these beetles and their inactions with cats please text me at 310 944 2762. I will be happy to help.