We recently received a message and a photograph from a reader. She explained that her dog has been chasing things in the carpet, and sometimes bites at the carpet. She thinks he might be hunting bugs. She also mentioned that they recently experienced a bug infestation at her house, but doesn’t know what kind of bug it was. In addition to the carpets, she found several of the organisms on her bed sheets. She would like us to identify the creatures. Here is the picture she shared with us:
The specimen in the photograph is small and dark brown. Since the photo is taken far away from the organism, we can’t determine other physical features. In most cases we wouldn’t be able to identify the creature without a better photograph or detailed description of the specimen. However, based on where our reader discovered these organisms, we are confident that we know what they are. We believe our reader has found carpet beetle larvae.
Carpet beetle larvae are some of the most common worm-like organisms discovered in homes. They feed on a variety of things found around a house, and readers discover them in bedrooms, bathrooms, living rooms, and kitchens. Carpet beetle larvae eat animal products such as wool, fur, and feathers. They also eat pet hair, crumbs, linens, carpets, upholstered furniture, and other various particles.
Since our reader found these organisms in her carpet and her bed, we think they are probably feeding on the carpet and either the bedding or the mattress. To get rid of these larvae, our reader will need to identify the food sources, remove them, and either have them professionally cleaned or disposed of. Our reader will also need to begin an intense cleaning regime to eliminate additional food sources and unhatched eggs. She should sweep, vacuum, do laundry, and dust every day until there are no more signs of a carpet beetle infestation.
In summary, a reader reached out to us about a bug infestation in her home. We believe these bugs are carpet beetle larvae, which she can get rid of by cleaning!
All About Worms is always free, always reader-supported. Your tips via CashApp, Venmo, or Paypal are appreciated! Receipts will come from ISIPP Publishing.
CashApp us
Venmo us
Paypal us
You might also find these guys interesting!
Pink Worm with Forked Rear is a Beetle Larva- Segmented Brown Worm in Gutter Looks Like a Hornworm
- Tiny, Black Worm-like Creatures Roaming Around Apartment are Inchworms
- Bright Green Worms Under Paving Slab Could be Fly Larvae or Caterpillars
- White and Brown Worm-like Organisms with Antennae in Compost Bin are Millipedes
- Striped Dark Bug Could be a Carpet Beetle Larva
- Hair-like Growth Under Cabinets is Likely a Type of Fungus or Alga
- Segmented Worms in Sink are Black Soldier Fly Larvae
