Carpet Beetle Larvae in Saltine Cracker Packaging

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A reader wrote to us via Facebook Wall about some intruders he discovered in the sealed packages of his Saltine crackers. He didn’t notice any openings in the packaging, and so assumed that these creatures got into the crackers in the factory. He would like us to identify the organisms using the photo he posted.

We instantly recognize the critter as a carpet beetle larva! Carpet beetle larvae are often found in linens, towels, bedding, clothing, or other materials around a household. These larvae feed on fibers, pet hairs, dust, and other particles. They can be quite destructive in a household that has a lot of upholstered furniture.  Why carpet beetle larvae would be in a box of saltine crackers remains a mystery to us. Perhaps a mature carpet beetle laid eggs in the factory. While we are unsure how this specimen ended up in some Saltine crackers, we are positive that it is carpet beetle larva.

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To end, a reader asked us about an intruder in his sealed box of saltine crackers. We believe he has found carpet beetle larvae, but we do not know how they ended up in such a strange location.

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All About Worms is always free, always reader-supported, we don't subject you to ads or annoying video pop-ups. But it does cost us money out of our pocket to keep the site going (nearly 20 years so far!) So your tips via CashApp, Venmo, or Paypal are appreciated! Receipts will come from ISIPP Publishing.

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Venmo us Venmo link

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Summary
Carpet Beetle Larvae in Saltine Cracker Packaging
Article Name
Carpet Beetle Larvae in Saltine Cracker Packaging
Description
A reader wrote to us via Facebook Wall about some intruders he discovered in the sealed packages of his Saltine crackers. He didn’t notice any openings in the packaging, and so assumed that these creatures got into the crackers in the factory. He would like us to identify the organisms using the photo he posted.
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Author: Worm Researcher Dori

2 thoughts on “Carpet Beetle Larvae in Saltine Cracker Packaging

  1. We also had two of those in our saltine crackers one in the box and one on a cracker “I don’t know if when pulling a sleeve out one of them was on the package and ended up on a cracker.

  2. PLEASE HELP. I Belive my house is infested. My clothes are getting destroyed. Linen. c aqtarpet is number one. i have pics. am i losing my mind? can they get inside skin?iim at a loss.sincerely,lorilo

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