Striped Worms on Towel are Carpet Beetle Larvae

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“I live in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and today found these larvae or worms on a towel on the floor by my bed”, writes John from Calgary, Alberta, Canada about the striped, worm-like creature pictured below. “My two dogs also sleep in the bed. Please help!” Based on the photo alone, we can tell that this is a carpet beetle larva. This is because we have written about these critters more than any other worm-like organism on this site. If one were to judge what the most commonly-spotted critters in one’s home were, they would think that carpet beetle larvae are right up there with spiders and house flies. But that is not really true: despite being common, not everyone is as likely to find these in one’s home.

When carpet beetle larvae are found in the home, it is not to be taken lightly. This is not because they are dangerous – carpet beetle larvae are not venomous, and they are not parasites. They do not bite or sting. With that said, people can experience allergic reactions to them, developing what is commonly called a ‘carpet beetle rash’. As their name suggests, carpet beetle larvae love to munch on carpets, but they eat so much more than this, and that is why they should be taken seriously: they are pests that can destroy a lot of textile items in one’s home if they are left unchecked and an infestation starts and spreads.

It makes sense that these were found near where John’s dogs sleep, not because carpet beetle larvae are harmful to dogs, but because of their diet. In addition to carpets, the larvae will eat any organic-based textiles (cotton, wool, leather, and silk, for example), as well as loose hair and fur. For that reason, they are often found on the beds of humans and dogs alike. What we recommend is that John give his home a proper clean, particularly that he vacuum his home, paying close attention to the spots where carpet beetle larvae might be found (such as underneath and behind upholstered furniture, and inside closets, wardrobes and dressers). Additionally, he will want to launder the towel he found the larva on, as well as any other potentially-infested textile items. Even if he does not find more roaming larvae (which would be lucky), this part is vital as it eliminates any eggs, stopping them from hatching and continuing the infestation.

To conclude, the striped worms John found on his towel are actually carpet beetle larvae. They are not dangerous, but infestations of them can easily occur right underneath one’s nose, as they hide in the carpets and other textile items that they munch on, and they can be very destructive over time. We hope this helps, and that John can rest assured that his dog is not in harm’s way. We wish John and his dog the very best!

 

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Striped Worms on Towel are Carpet Beetle Larvae
Article Name
Striped Worms on Towel are Carpet Beetle Larvae
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"I live in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and today found these larvae or worms on a towel on the floor by my bed", writes John from Calgary, Alberta, Canada about the striped, worm-like creature pictured below. "My two dogs also sleep in the bed. Please help!" Based on the photo alone, we can tell that this is a carpet beetle larva. This is because we have written about these critters more than any other worm-like organism on this site. If one were to judge what the most commonly-spotted critters in one's home were, they would think that carpet beetle larvae are right up there with spiders and house flies. But that is not really true: despite being common, not everyone is as likely to find these in one's home.
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Author: Worm Researcher Anton

0 thoughts on “Striped Worms on Towel are Carpet Beetle Larvae

  1. Hello, I’m on a critically desperate pursuit to find successful treatment, help, feedback &/ or support for parasitical aspergillus infection & infestation. (Invasive, thin white hair-like parasitical filaments, colonies & spores which can invade homes, people and pets.)

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