Question about insects/damage - Ask Extension
Hi Ask Extension team,
I recently traveled to Sub-Saharan Africa and Austin, Texas and then returned home and found holes in shoes and other cloth...
Knowledgebase
Question about insects/damage #873284
Asked June 15, 2024, 10:46 PM EDT
Hi Ask Extension team,
I recently traveled to Sub-Saharan Africa and Austin, Texas and then returned home and found holes in shoes and other cloth items (see images attached). I noticed what looked like saw dust powder under a basket I purchased in Africa, which made me think I may have brought home powderpost beetles. However, I also have local, multicolored beetles and what looks to be silverfish in my apartment (images attached).
An exterminator treated my apartment with Cyfluthrin and I also sprayed PT Alpine insecticide on the floors. I would greatly appreciate your help diagnosing the problem and any guidance you can offer to prevent a future infestation. I am currently living with all my belongings in zip lock bags and am heating clothes from my travels in the hot trunk of my car.
Thank you sincerely for your time and advice.
Nassau County New York
Expert Response
Dear Nina,
All of the fabrics from which your products are materials in the fabrics of the objects of which you have provided images are synthetic and of no value or interest to insects.
The beetle in your images does appear to be varied carpet beetle. Varied carpet beetles are extremely common throughout the US. They feed on natural fibers, shed skin cells, body hairs, and all kinds of food stuffs. Regular, thorough sweeping of carpets, floors, and furniture will help in reducing their numbers plus the application of a registered insecticide for indoor use according to the label of the product.
The last creature is a house centipede. House centipedes are very common indoors throughout the year and outside during the warm months of the year. They are predators that feed on all kinds of other arthropods. However, they are of no concern to human health.
All of the fabrics from which your products are materials in the fabrics of the objects of which you have provided images are synthetic and of no value or interest to insects.
The beetle in your images does appear to be varied carpet beetle. Varied carpet beetles are extremely common throughout the US. They feed on natural fibers, shed skin cells, body hairs, and all kinds of food stuffs. Regular, thorough sweeping of carpets, floors, and furniture will help in reducing their numbers plus the application of a registered insecticide for indoor use according to the label of the product.
The last creature is a house centipede. House centipedes are very common indoors throughout the year and outside during the warm months of the year. They are predators that feed on all kinds of other arthropods. However, they are of no concern to human health.
