Loudoun County Master Gardeners

Carpet Beetles: Black carpet beetle, common carpet beetle, varied carpet beetle and furniture beetle are the four common species found in Virginia .

Description: This pest is a beetle approximately a quarter inch in length, and with an up close inspection, you will notice a hairy appearance of dense bristles on its back.

Behavior: A carpet beetle does not distinguish between clean or cluttered areas. It will enter a home through windows, and as it mills about, the infestation will spread from room to room. Carpet beetles are often drawn to other dead insect carcasses as food; these carcasses may be found in window ledges.

Damage: A carpet beetle can cause damage to both food and textile products. It will invade stored products such as grains, nuts, and cereals. It will also feed on wool carpets, wool products, and linens. It especially enjoys feeding on textiles that are soiled with food, juice, and animal excrement.

Control: Check for dead rodents, empty bird nests and infested food products. These are sources of food for carpet beetles and should be removed or thrown out. Moth crystals can be used when storing woolen materials. Keep window ledges clean. Vacuum regularly and thoroughly.

Pantry Pests: The Saw-toothed Grain Beetle, Indian Meal Moth, and Confused Flour Beetle are among the most common pantry pests found in Virginia .

Description: These pests are generally quite small ranging from 1/10” to 3/8”. Their colors vary; red, brown, gray, and bronze are all typical. They are referred to as pantry pests because their favorite habitat is the pantry where they can have a feeding frenzy.


Saw-toothed Grain Beetle	Indian Meal Moth	Confused Flour Beetle

Locations and Behavior: These pests can be found in warehouses, mills, and grocery stores, and they find their way into our homes through infested products and packaging. Once inside our homes, they lay eggs and continue their life cycle of reproducing, which results in serious infestations if adequate controls are not in place.

Damage: Pasta, cereal, flour, herbs, and many spices can be spoiled when invaded by these pests.

The Indian Meal Moth especially enjoys dry pet foods. The female moth lays eggs that hatch into caterpillars. The caterpillars spin threads in the food, causing the dry food to become webbed together.

Controls: Remove all packaging that shows signs of infestation. Re-package pasta, cereals, flour, etc. in air tight containers. Always keep pantries free of spilled food products. Vacuum thoroughly, including cracks and crevices. Avoid using water to clean up flour spills; washing creates a paste which is even more difficult to clean up.