There are several species of carpet beetle, these include the Varied Carpet Beetle (Anthrenus verbasci), which is about 3-4 mm in length and has the appearance of a camouflage shaded black, white, brown and creamy ladybird. The Fur Beetle (Attagenus pellio) is about 4-6 mm long black with a spot on each wing. The rarer Black Carpet Beetle is 3-5 mm in length and a reddish brown colour. The larval stages of these beetles feed on carpets, furniture, clothes and natural fibres causing much damage.

The larvae grub stage of these beetles are called ‘Woolly Bears’ due to their spiky hairy appearance. These are now probably one of the main textile pests in the UK. A Lot of the time these grubs find their way into a property from the eaves of the roof or the loft space where they emerge from their eggs which are laid in such places as woolen fabrics and old birds nests. When they are born they feed on the carotene which is in discarded birds feathers or feed on wool fabrics. They then find their way down into the home where they feed on carpets and clothes etc. This is why it is so important to rid your home of disused birds nests.