Pest guide
Varied carpet beetle
Anthrenus verbasci
- Do you need a pest-control professional?
It depends
Whether professional treatment is needed depends on the extent and circumstances. Possible response: Inspect textiles, clean and treat as needed.
- Potential harm
Larvae feed on wool, carpets and fur
- What to expect
Possible response: Inspect textiles, clean and treat as needed. If you are unsure of the species, call and describe what you found before deciding what to do.
Not sure? Call and describe it. Identification by phone is free.

About this species
This entry covers Varied carpet beetle (Anthrenus verbasci). Typical location: Carpets and woollen goods. Potential harm: Larvae feed on wool, carpets and fur. Possible response: Inspect textiles, clean and treat as needed.
Facts
- Latin name
- Anthrenus verbasci
- English name
- Varied carpet beetle
- Preferred conditions
- Carpets and woollen goods
- Life cycle
- Larval development often takes many months, adults live a few weeks
Response and treatment
Inspect textiles, clean and treat as needed
Treatment depends on the species, extent and circumstances. Products are not always needed. Any products used are permitted for the intended use in Iceland. Follow their instructions and the pest-control professional’s guidance.
Do you have an unwelcome visitor?
Call and describe it. Advice is free, and one phone call often solves the problem.