Identifying and Eliminating the Pests Found in Your Daughter’s Bed

by jamie
(heber city, utah, usa)

Reader Question: What Are These Bugs in My Daughter’s Bed?

My daughter recently woke up to over 23 bites on her body... we found these in her bed.. what are they? How can we get rid of them?

Our Response

Hi, thank you for sharing your question and including the images. Based on the pictures, it appears that you are dealing with carpet beetle larvae (shown in the second image) and what looks like a shed skin or molting case (first image). Let’s dive into what these pests are and how to handle the situation

What Are Carpet Beetle Larvae?

• Identification: Carpet beetle larvae are small, elongated, and often covered with tiny bristles. They are known to feed on natural fibers, making beds, carpets, and upholstery potential habitats.
• Skin Shedding: The first image shows a shed skin, which is typical for carpet beetle larvae as they molt during their development.
• Reaction to Larvae: The bites on your daughter are not from the larvae directly. Instead, many people have allergic reactions to the bristles on their bodies or to the shed skins, which can cause red, itchy welts.

How to Get Rid of Carpet Beetle Larvae

1. Thorough Cleaning: Vacuum the mattress, bed frame, and surrounding areas meticulously. Focus on seams, cracks, and crevices where larvae might hide.
2. Wash All Bedding: Wash all bedding, pillows, and stuffed toys in hot water and dry them on high heat to kill any larvae or eggs.
3. Inspect Nearby Areas: Check carpets, curtains, and upholstered furniture for signs of larvae or damage. Carpet beetle larvae are not confined to the bed and may be in other parts of the room.
4. Use Insecticides: Apply a residual insecticide labeled for carpet beetles to cracks and crevices around the room. Be sure to follow product instructions carefully.
5. Monitor for Activity: Set up sticky traps to monitor for adult carpet beetles or additional larvae. This will help determine if further treatment is necessary.

Preventing Future Infestations

• Regular Cleaning: Vacuum and clean regularly to remove potential food sources like lint, hair, or dead skin cells that attract carpet beetle larvae.
• Seal Cracks: Seal any cracks or crevices in walls or windows where adult carpet beetles might enter.
• Store Fabrics Properly: Store clothing, blankets, and natural fiber items in airtight containers to prevent larvae from feeding on them.

When to Call a Professional

If the problem persists despite your efforts, consider contacting a pest control professional. They can provide targeted treatments and identify any hidden infestations in your home.
Carpet beetle larvae can cause skin reactions that mimic insect bites, and their presence in the bed can be distressing. By following the steps outlined above, you should be able to eliminate the larvae and prevent future problems. Let us know if you have further questions or updates—we’re here to help!
Best regards,

Jeff,
Editor and Publisher,
Bed Bugs Handbook














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Reader Question: What Are These Bugs in My Daughter’s Bed?

Reader’s Question: My daughter recently woke up with over 23 bites on her body. We found these in her bed (see images). What are they, and how can we get rid of them?

Our Response

Hi, thank you for sharing your question and including the images. Based on the pictures, it appears that you are dealing with carpet beetle larvae (shown in the second image) and what looks like a shed skin or molting case (first image). Let’s dive into what these pests are and how to handle the situation.

What Are Carpet Beetle Larvae?

• Identification: Carpet beetle larvae are small, elongated, and often covered with tiny bristles. They are known to feed on natural fibers, making beds, carpets, and upholstery potential habitats.
• Skin Shedding: The first image shows a shed skin, which is typical for carpet beetle larvae as they molt during their development.
• Reaction to Larvae: The bites on your daughter are not from the larvae directly. Instead, many people have allergic reactions to the bristles on their bodies or to the shed skins, which can cause red, itchy welts.

How to Get Rid of Carpet Beetle Larvae

1. Thorough Cleaning: Vacuum the mattress, bed frame, and surrounding areas meticulously. Focus on seams, cracks, and crevices where larvae might hide.
2. Wash All Bedding: Wash all bedding, pillows, and stuffed toys in hot water and dry them on high heat to kill any larvae or eggs.
3. Inspect Nearby Areas: Check carpets, curtains, and upholstered furniture for signs of larvae or damage. Carpet beetle larvae are not confined to the bed and may be in other parts of the room.
4. Use Insecticides: Apply a residual insecticide labeled for carpet beetles to cracks and crevices around the room. Be sure to follow product instructions carefully.
5. Monitor for Activity: Set up sticky traps to monitor for adult carpet beetles or additional larvae. This will help determine if further treatment is necessary.

Preventing Future Infestations

• Regular Cleaning: Vacuum and clean regularly to remove potential food sources like lint, hair, or dead skin cells that attract carpet beetle larvae.
• Seal Cracks: Seal any cracks or crevices in walls or windows where adult carpet beetles might enter.
• Store Fabrics Properly: Store clothing, blankets, and natural fiber items in airtight containers to prevent larvae from feeding on them.

When to Call a Professional

If the problem persists despite your efforts, consider contacting a pest control professional. They can provide targeted treatments and identify any hidden infestations in your home.

Final Thoughts

Carpet beetle larvae can cause skin reactions that mimic insect bites, and their presence in the bed can be distressing. By following the steps outlined above, you should be able to eliminate the larvae and prevent future problems. Let us know if you have further questions or updates—we’re here to help! Best regards,
Jeff,
Editor and Publisher,
Bed Bugs Handbook ```