Frequently Asked Questions About Insects - Department of Entomology at Texas A&M University

Frequently Asked Questions

Topic:	Beetles, carpet
Question:	I manage a wool/mohair storage facility in south Texas. We have a carpet beetle problem, currently only in mohair. We hired a reputable fumigator who used methyl bromide. He got a good kill, but not 100%. I am interested in the life cycle of the carpet beetle.
Answer:	There are many species of carpet beetles. If you have a wool/mohair facility it seems that a continued effort will be necessary to keep carpet beetles under control. Development time varies with species and temperature. A range would be about 6 weeks to a year. Methyl bromide and other fumigants should eliminate any carpet beetles. Consider the likelihood that you are getting reinfestation after the treatment. You need to treat the entire facility .
Related Link:	http://insects.tamu.edu/extension/bulletins/l-1736.html
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Response by:	John A. Jackman
Title:	Professor and Extension Specialist
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