Today we will discuss carpet beetle larvae, which are among the most popular specimens here at All About Worms. A reader asked us to confirm the identity of some creatures she found as carpet beetle larvae. Unfortunately, she didn’t include a photograph, video, or description. She said that she noticed the first specimen a few weeks ago and has since thoroughly cleaned her room. In addition to the identification, she is hoping that we can supply some cleaning tricks and tips for getting rid of carpet beetle larvae in the bedroom.

Since we don’t have a photograph or even a description, we can’t be sure the creatures she has found are carpet beetle larvae, but we will assume that this is indeed what our reader is dealing with. Carpet beetle larvae are rust colored or brown, 4-5 mm long, and have coarse hairs covering their bodies. These larvae feed on fabrics, leather, felt, fur, wool, and a variety of other materials around a house. Since they have so many potential food sources, they can be quite destructive if an infestation goes unnoticed. The most effective way to get rid of carpet beetle larvae is to clean.

Before our reader starts the intense cleaning regime required to get rid of carpet beetle larvae, she will have to locate and remove their primary food source. Since she noticed them in her bedroom, we recommend she first investigate her bedding and her mattress. Carpet beetle larvae often feed on the feather stuffing in pillows, comforters, and mattresses. If she doesn’t notice any larvae around those items, she can search the carpet under her bed, and the clothes in her closet. As we mentioned, once she finds an infested item she should remove it immediately because it is likely full of carpet beetle eggs. She should have the item professionally cleaned before returning it to her room, or she can simply throw it out. Once the primary food source has been removed, the cleaning can begin. Our reader will need to dust, vacuum, sweep, and do laundry every day during a carpet beetle larvae infestation. Although this might seem excessive, it will guarantee that any eggs are cleaned up before they hatch, and it will eliminate any other potential food sources for these larvae! If the process of this cleaning regime overwhelms our reader, she can look into hiring a professional to assist her in saying goodbye to these household pests!

In summary, one of our readers wrote to us about some organisms that she found in her home that she thought could be carpet beetle larvae. We were unable to confirm this identification without a photograph, but we have provided some helpful steps to getting rid of carpet beetle larvae.