Where Carpet Beetles Turn Up in Greenwich
Fitted carpets in older converted flats
In the borough's older converted flats, fitted carpets laid many years ago often have gaps at the skirting board where fluff, hair and debris collect over time, and that build-up is exactly the food source carpet beetle larvae need. The damage looks similar to carpet moth, but the small bristly larvae themselves — sometimes called woolly bears — are the giveaway.
Stored clothing in Woolwich's converted buildings
In Woolwich's converted barracks buildings and blocks, the more common source is stored clothing or bedding tucked away in a cupboard rather than the carpet itself. Adult beetles are often first noticed on a windowsill in spring, having emerged from wherever the larvae had been quietly feeding through the colder months.
Signs to Look For
- Irregular holes in natural-fibre carpets, rugs, clothing or soft furnishings
- Small, bristly larvae ("woolly bears") in carpet edges, cupboards or under furniture
- Tiny shed larval skins gathering in corners or fabric folds
- Adult beetles, a few millimetres long, seen on windowsills in spring
Reducing the Risk of Carpet Beetles Returning
Regular vacuuming of carpet edges and cupboard corners removes the fluff and debris larvae rely on.
