Carpet beetles are common household pests. A frequent misconception is that they lay eggs in human hair. These insects are primarily attracted to natural fibers and organic debris found within a home.
The Truth About Carpet Beetles and Human Hair
Carpet beetles are not parasites and do not seek out living organisms for food or egg-laying. Their diet consists of keratin, a protein found in dead animal products and natural fibers, not living tissue. This includes materials such as wool, silk, fur, feathers, and dried animal remains. Human hair, while containing keratin, is not a target for egg-laying.
While adult carpet beetles do not feed on fabrics, their larvae consume these organic materials. Shed human hair, which accumulates in dust and lint, can be a food source for carpet beetle larvae. This differs from infesting hair on a person’s head, which is the domain of human parasites like lice.
Where Carpet Beetles Really Lay Their Eggs
Female carpet beetles lay their eggs in hidden, undisturbed locations where larvae will have immediate access to food sources. Eggs are often deposited on or near materials containing keratin or other organic matter. Common sites include wool carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture, and stored natural fiber clothing.
They also lay eggs in less obvious places, such as lint accumulations under baseboards, inside air ducts, or within animal nests. This feeding activity can lead to damage in household items.
Identifying and Addressing Carpet Beetles
Identifying carpet beetles involves recognizing both adult insects and their damaging larval stage. Adult carpet beetles are small, 2 to 5 millimeters long, and oval-shaped. Their coloration varies by species, often appearing dark brown to black, or mottled with patterns of white, brown, and yellow scales. Adults are frequently observed near windows, attracted to light.
The larvae, sometimes called “woolly bears,” are elongated and covered with dense hairs or bristles. They are tan or brown and tend to avoid light, often found in dark, secluded areas. Signs of an infestation include irregular holes or thinned areas in natural fabrics, shed larval skins, and small, pepper-like fecal pellets. Addressing an infestation involves thorough cleaning, such as regular vacuuming of carpets, rugs, and upholstery, especially in hard-to-reach areas. Washing infested items in hot water and storing susceptible materials in sealed containers can help manage these pests.