A reader sent in a photograph to us of a type of worm that he had found in his home. It was located near the floor from the look of the photo and very small.  With the little amount of information that we got from the reader it is hard for us to give a complete and full identification of this worm however; after doing some research of our own, we have concluded that they are more than likely a type of larvae. We have decided that these wormlike creatures are carpet beetle larvae.

Carpet beetle larvae are black in color and they are very small ranging from about 1/16^th of an inch to 1 inch in length. They roam throughout your entire home trying to find food and a dark place to hide. This can actually cause an infestation. They can end up in every room of your home! They usually stay close to areas where there is dust and pet dander and hair since that is what they prefer to feed on. Carpet beetle larvae can also be found in the carpet, furniture, closets, attics, and basements. They really enjoy dark places in your home.

Because the larvae feed on dust and animal hair, it is very important to keep your home as clean as possible. One of the first signs that you may have these larvae in your home can be found in your closet. If you notice holes in your clothing or fecal pellets, you could have an infestation. if the home is taken care of properly, you should be free of these larvae forever.

There are other ways to get rid of them if you do not want to contact pest control. Make sure to steam clean all of your carpets in every single room of your home. You will also want to steam clean all of your furniture. This will get rid of any larvae that are on the surfaces. Also it is very important to wash all of your clothing. This is more than likely where they laid their eggs. Make sure that you use very hot water and very strong detergent. If you want to make sure you kill all of the larvae in your home, try dusting your home with boric acid.

Once the larvae grow up, they will no longer be hiding in your carpets or dark corners. They will migrate outside and begin to eat up all of the flowering plants in your garden. These pests start out in the dark and then crave the light. Make sure that you keep a close eye on your garden too!

In summary, these wormlike creatures that our reader saw are most likely carpet beetle larvae, but again with the amount of information that we have, it is very hard to be sure. They are not harmful to humans, but are more of a nuisance. If the home is taken care of properly and they are exterminated, you will be free of these larvae forever.

• 
•