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Pest guide

Australian carpet beetle

Anthrenocerus australis

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 animal products

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.

Illustration: Australian carpet beetle (Anthrenocerus australis), whole animal on a light background.
Anthrenocerus australis (Australian carpet beetle)Based on a photo by: Erling Ólafsson, Náttúrufræðistofnun Íslands

About this species

This entry covers Australian carpet beetle (Anthrenocerus australis). Typical location: Woollen goods and carpets. Potential harm: Larvae feed on wool, carpets and animal products. Possible response: Inspect textiles, clean and treat as needed.

Facts

Latin name
Anthrenocerus australis
English name
Australian carpet beetle
Preferred conditions
Woollen goods and carpets
Life cycle
One generation develops in about 9–12 months, depending on conditions

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.