BDN interviews Kirby for article on carpet beetles

The Bangor Daily News interviewed Clay Kirby, an associate scientist and insect diagnostician with University of Maine Cooperative Extension, for an article about carpet beetles. “They are a scavenger. They will get into your stored food products, furniture or clothing and that can make them difficult to manage,” said Kirby, who added the beetles can also be found feeding on dead insects in attics or spaces in the wall. “The adult [dermestidae] stage is most interested in feeding outside on pollen or nectar. It’s the wormlike larval stage that does the damage in the home,” Kirby said. To discourage carpet beetle larvae, Kirby recommends cutting off access to food sources. “Pantry items like flour, Bisquick, pasta, nuts, cereals or dried fruits should be kept in tight sealing containers like glass or rubber. The same thing with your seldom worn clothing items that have fur, feathers or are made of wool — keep them in sealed plastic bags or containers,” he said. If you do find evidence of carpet beetles in your home, the best way to get rid of them is vacuuming the area and then steam cleaning it. Sprinkling boric acid on carpets, rugs or furniture also will kill them, according to the article. “They are not dangerous to people. But your heart does kind of sink when you find evidence of them,” said Kirby.