Pest ID - wood destroying insects? - Ask Extension
I am concerned that I may have some wood-destroying insects in my house. Would you be able to help me identify them and give suggestions for how to de...
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Pest ID - wood destroying insects? #878180
Asked July 21, 2024, 9:27 PM EDT
I am concerned that I may have some wood-destroying insects in my house. Would you be able to help me identify them and give suggestions for how to deal with them?
Upon moving a piece of wooden furniture, I found what looked like fine sawdust scattered fairly evenly across the floor underneath. I also found what looked like some kind of bug sheds and a couple of live larvae. I'm including a picture of the floor with the sawdust and bug sheds, a picture of the live larvae, and a picture of the underside of the piece of furniture in question.
Can you help me identify these bugs? Also, can you give me any recommendations for how to get rid of them? I have young children and am concerned about correlations between indoor pesticides and childhood cancers--is there any way to treat for these bugs that won't put my family's health at risk?
Eaton County Michigan
Expert Response
You have carpet beetle larvae, which are not wood-boring insect, but feed on carpets, fabrics, and sometimes stored food items. These don;t cause a risk to the walls or structure but can be a nuisance as they destroy materials.
If you have any valuable clothing items, check those first to confirm there are no beetle larvae on them. If concerned about those, you could temporarily store in an airtight tote or container until the beetles are gone. Eradication will involve a deep cleaning of floors, rugs, and hidden places where there could be food items that they feed on. It may take a few weeks to notice a decline in the number of these insects.
If you have any valuable clothing items, check those first to confirm there are no beetle larvae on them. If concerned about those, you could temporarily store in an airtight tote or container until the beetles are gone. Eradication will involve a deep cleaning of floors, rugs, and hidden places where there could be food items that they feed on. It may take a few weeks to notice a decline in the number of these insects.
