Identify your Pests > Beetle

Coleoptera

Most common of all is perhaps the Varied Carpet Beetle, also know as 'Woolly Bear'. This has been recognised as a major pest of economic importance and despite thorough cleaning and treatment processes, is very difficult to control.

The adult which is shaped like a ladybird with yellow, white and black markings, lays eggs is batches of 20-100, which hatch in 2-4 weeks, dependent on conditions. The larva is small, brown and hairy with a group of three bunches of golden spear-headed hairs on either side of the rear segments. The hairs have been known to penetrate human skin and cause irritation.

The larva survives for approximately one year and can sustain long period of starvation. The pupa forms within the last larval skin and "overwinters" for a period between 10-30 days before emerging as the adult beetle.

Isolation of their food stuffs and treatment of all possible alighting surfaces must be carried out. They are often found within bird nests feeding on feathers and excrement, spreading to central heating lagging and hot water pipe runs, airing cupboards, clothes, wardrobes, etc, making it easy to see why this pest can be somewhat difficult to control; unless this is undertaken by a trained professional.