ABOUT
THE
BLACK CARPET BEETLE
Attagenus unicolor
| Recognizing
the Carpet Beetle: |
|
ADULT
1/8
inch to 3/16 inch long, dark brown to black. The last three antennal
segments are slightly enlarged and form a spear shape.
|
LARVAE
Dark
brown to reddish brown, up to ½ inch long, slender, hairy,
with a distinct tail of long hairs at tip; three pair of thoracic
legs
|
PUPAE
Pupal cases brownish with dark beetle inside the pupal chamber.
|
Life
Cycle
The female beetle lays eggs in almost any dry organic substance. Larvae
feed off the food or fiber substance for about 9-20 months, depending
on environment. On average, the life cycle will be 11 months. Adults
live for 30-60 days. One generation occurs per year depending on storage
conditions.
|
BEETLES
CAN CAUSE DAMAGE to:
- Plant
products
- Animal
products
- Textiles
|
It
should be noted that only larvae cause damage. Holes and
frayed fibers in textiles also may be present. Adults are excellent
fliers and are attracted to lights. |
| A
common household pest they can also attack: |
|
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| The
use of pheromone traps and inspections can determine the location
and degree of infestation. These beetles are commonly found in processed
foods such as: |
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|
WHAT YOU NEED
TO KNOW ABOUT THE LURE:
Bullet Lure
Contains sex pheromone to attract male beetles. Effective duration
of attraction is 6-8 weeks.
Lure Storage
Keep unopened foil pouches in cool storage (less than 60° F) or
place in freezer for extended storage. Lures can remain frozen for up
to 18 months to retain their full effectiveness for use afterwards.
Trap Designs
used with Lure:
Stealth traps are low profile flat rectangular sticky traps that
can be placed on level surfaces.
Trap Placement
Techniques
Timing
- traps should be placed in early March, just before active flights
begin.
Density
- it is recommended that traps be placed near materials susceptible
to attack (see list above) at one per every 10 feet. In large
warehouses traps may be placed every 20 feet apart.
Location
- Place hanging traps at just above eye height in rooms
or warehouses where food is stored. Stealth traps can be placed
inside drawers, under or above cabinets, inside cupboards and
more confined spaces where hanging traps cannot fit.
Trap and Lure
Maintenance
Traps must be replaced when filled with beetles or they become dusty.
Traps may remain sticky for many months. Lures must be replaced every
6 weeks. The old lure should be removed from the trap.
Trapped beetles
should be recorded regularly on a separate monitoring data sheet to
determine trapping trends.
Expectations
1 beetle per trap per week -- Inspection of materials susceptible to
attack should be carried out.
3-5 beetles/ trap per week -- Serious damage is likely on a single product
or location in the area of the trap.
10+ beetles/trap per week - Serious wide spread damage has occurred
to products or items in the storage area.
Important
Notes:
Large numbers of beetles require other means of control and management
to eradicate infestations. Female beetles however, may actively
fly around and not be attracted to the traps. |
Please
call us at 951. 924.4616 or Toll Free at 877-924-4616
for additional information or to purchase other equipment or services.
|
