What Are Little Black Bugs With White Stripes?

Little black bugs with white stripes are carpet beetles. These beetles are pests in warehouses, homes and wherever they can find the proper food. They can cause damage to fabrics and carpets. These beetles find their way into homes and buildings through improperly sealed openings.

  1. Description

    • Carpet beetles are small, oblong-shaped bugs. They are black in color and have white stripes on their wings. The adult black carpet beetles are approximately 1/8 to 3/16 inches long. They can have a variety of different markings on their wings. The larvae of the carpet beetle start off white in color but then turn reddish brown. The larvae are hairy.

    Evidence of Carpet Beetles

    • Carpet beetles will leave evidence behind if they are invading a building or a home. There will be damage to carpets, fabrics, hair and animal fur. The carpet beetles will chew irregular holes in fabrics. Carpet beetles are not known to feed on synthetic fibers. They will also feed on animal carcasses. Carpet beetles are also commonly found in food products such as cereals, pastas and nuts.

    How to Control Carpet Beetles

    • Carpet beetles are difficult pests to control, but there are ways to help. Keep all your food properly sealed. Food storage containers are really good to use. Remove any pet hair on a regular basis. It is important to keep your floors clean and clutter free. Clothing items made from wool, leather or silk should be kept in sealed plastic storage containers to keep them away from carpet beetles. It is important to dry clean any fabrics that have been affected by carpet beetles.

    Insecticides

    • Sometimes carpet beetles won't go away no matter what you do to control them. In these situations you can use insecticides to eliminate these pests. When looking for an insecticide to deal with the problem, make sure to find one that specifies that it can be used for carpet beetles. Properly follow the directions on the insecticide. One of the best insecticides to use for the carpet beetles is Allpro Bug Killer Spray. To fully make sure your carpet beetle problem is eliminated, spray the building once a month with insecticides until you no longer see evidence of them.