What is this thing?

[Getoblast]

Hi all, we recently had our loft converted and it's now used as a bedroom. We keep getting these little bugs from time to time... and would like to know what they are;







It seams when your looking at them they don't move but as soon as you look away they vanish!!!

[eucera]

This is a larva of one of the Carpet Beetles (Anthrenus sp.). They will feed on virtually any dead organic matter (including insect collections).

The adults look (at a cursory glance) like tiny little ladybirds. A google search will reveal loads of pics of larvae and adults

[Paul mabbott]

Also live in birds nest eating old feathers - given the situation, this might be the source of them?

Originally Posted by eucera

This is a larva of one of the Carpet Beetles (Anthrenus sp.). They will feed on virtually any dead organic matter (including insect collections).

[Tiggrx]

They are also often called Woolly Bears

[nightshade]

If you are really unlucky you could find your winter wooly drawer a home for them

[Getoblast]

Thank you all very much for your help. We do have bird nests in the loft storage area. Do you know of a any way of controlling them?

[nightshade]

I lifted the first few tiles and placed wire netting along the guttering to stop entry ,also removed all the old nesting material and sprayed with jeyes fluid ,then (this is the important bit) I fitted external nest boxes.

[ollyk]

Originally Posted by Getoblast

Thank you all very much for your help. We do have bird nests in the loft storage area. Do you know of a any way of controlling them?

I think they are like clothes moths, just not quite as destructive.
I think the only thing you can do is to make sure every inch of the house is regulary and thoroughly cleaned - leave no stone unturned as they say!

[Paul mabbott]

Originally Posted by Getoblast

Thank you all very much for your help. We do have bird nests in the loft storage area. Do you know of a any way of controlling them?

As others have said, you could stop nesting *but*, of course, provide alternative nest sites. In our case, we had old nests (and old nests can support the beetle for 3-4 years!) made in ventilation ducts - every spring a new generation of beetles came in through the house, stopped when we blocked up the duct apart from the ones that were eating my beetle collection.
*If* your working loft space is seriously well sealed off from the eaves then possibly could ignore the nests but you will need to look at the ventilation system - perhaps put a fine net over the in-pipes?
Despite their name (carpet beetles), they are not a major problem with household materials unless these are fairly damp and unclean. As mentioned, regular vacuuming of carpets and curtains will avoid any problems.
They're a nice little beetle and would much rather be outside so just throw any you find outside and try to stop them getting inside again!

[cherrybee]

Hi Getoblast and a very warm welcome to WAB