Please tell me this isn't a woodworm bettle!

[tina t]

Help!
I live in a timber frame house and a week ago found one of these critters. Couldn't see any more so thought it was just a random bug that turned up. This morning found five in the bath (before i filled it with water!). There is a vent in the bathroom that goes to outside, quite possibly via an old birds nest. Could realy do with them being carpet bugs (dont know what to do with them then but at least they may not being eating my house!). Any help would be great. Ever so slightly panic-y! They are about the size of a match head.

Thanks!

Tina

[Dogghound]

No its a carpet beetle

[tina t]

Phew!

Thank you

Tina

[Dogghound]

They often live in old birds nests so this is probably the source of them.

[tina t]

Thanks for your help. I shall set my Brother onto the task of pulling apart the vents/roof!

Wierd question but if a dog ate a larvae or bettle could it make them really sick? The first beetle I found was on a blanket in his bed (which i then washed at 90 degrees!) but about 3 weeks ago for no apparent reason in the middle of the night he kept being really sick. No change of food or anything and then after a day he seemed absolutely fine. Wondered if the two could be linked as we never did find a cause?

Second question, they aren't likely to be feeding on wood are they (just slightly paranoid!)

Tina

[Dogghound]

No they wouldnt make a dog sick.

I would be careful not to disturb any birds they will be starting to nest now, it might be better the block the hole into your house or leave it until later in the year.

[tina t]

Thanks again, you are a font of knowledge. I'm thinking its the old nest that was there about a year ago when we redid the facias so hopefully no current inhabitants (the birds had left then). If they have found a new way in will leave them for now. As long as its not woodworm they're welcome to stay!


Thanks for all your help

Tina