Brown & Tan-Striped Bugs are Carpet Beetle Larvae

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Two photographs of some kind of creature were sent in by this woman who wonders what they might be. The creatures in question appear to be brown and tan-striped, sport multiple pairs of forelegs, and are somewhat oval in shape.

These appear to be carpet beetle larvae. Carpet beetle larvae are common household pests. Their larvae, which wreak the most havoc, feed on animal-based textiles such as clothing, bedding, and upholstery. Additionally, they also feed on animal fur, dead insects, and can even be found in bird nests feeding on organic matter there. Carpet beetles are neither parasitic, nor harmful toward humans in any way, but can prove to be quite the nuisance when they multiply in the home. Infestations of carpet beetle larvae can be very difficult to get rid of as the larvae tend to hide in small, dark spaces where one does not tend to look or clean that often, such as under furniture, between the folds of fabrics, or in cupboards and drawers.

If our reader has cause to believe her home is infested with carpet beetle larvae, she will want to do a thorough cleaning of any of these types of places. Furthermore, she will want to vacuum carpets and any dark, cramped spaces (where possible) to eradicate any eggs or larvae that reside there. Next, she should launder any fabrics that could have been potentially infested in as hot temperatures as they can handle, and for any textiles that cannot be laundered, steam-cleaning is the next best option. Lastly, sealing cracks in walling, flooring and window screens, storing unused garments in vacuum-sealed bags or cold vaults, as well as cleaning out unused spaces such as attics and basements fairly often should prove to help prevent future infestations of carpet beetle larvae.

In conclusion, the creatures our reader found were carpet beetle larvae. The only curious things about the ones she found is the lack of bristles, but otherwise the pattern, coloration and forelegs all point toward this conclusion. Our reader needs not worry about anything other than her animal-based fabrics, and if she is concerned, then following the methods listed above should resolve the issue in no time.

 

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Summary
Brown & Tan-Striped Bugs are Carpet Beetle Larvae
Article Name
Brown & Tan-Striped Bugs are Carpet Beetle Larvae
Description
Two photographs of some kind of creature were sent in by this woman who wonders what they might be. The creatures in question appear to be brown and tan-striped, sport multiple pairs of forelegs, and are somewhat oval in shape.
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Author: Worm Researcher Anton

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