We thought it\u2019d be a good idea to get to know them a bit better:<\/p>\n
No, I\u2019m less than 5mm big\u2026.but I\u2019m not actually a bear.<\/p>\n
I\u2019m an athrenus larva.\u00a0 I probably got the nickname \u2018woolly bear\u2019 because I am short, fat and hairy.<\/p>\n
A carpet beetle.<\/p>\n
I can eat a lot!\u00a0 I love organic food \u2013 fur, feathers, wool, that kind of stuff.\u00a0 You can often find me in birds\u2019 nests and animal homes.<\/p>\n
Not necessarily.\u00a0 During the spring and summer, carpet beetles can be found in the UK outside, but they often lay eggs in cracks and crevices of buildings.\u00a0 We can thrive indoors and I\u2019m so small I can easily get in. There\u2019s plenty to eat indoors (there\u2019s a reason why the adults are called carpet beetles).<\/p>\n
LOVE museums.\u00a0 Great places to visit \u2013 plenty to eat.\u00a0 There are also lots of dark corners where I can be left undisturbed.<\/p>\n
Hmm, not necessarily.\u00a0 You might find adult carpet beetles, or the cast skins that we shed as we grow.\u00a0 If there\u2019s just one or two, then you may not have a problem.\u00a0 But, if the conditions are right, we can grow and reproduce quite quickly and cause a lot of damage to things like wool carpets.\u00a0 If you don\u2019t want us moving in, probably best to make sure you vacuum in corners and under furniture occasionally.\u00a0 Check your woolly jumpers and all that taxidermy in the loft every now and again too\u2026<\/p>\n