Carpet beetles (Dermestidae) are tiny household beetle pests that feed on a number of household goods, including fabrics (including wool, silk, felt and leather), furs, feathers, and food.http://www.ca.uky.edu/entomology/entfacts/ef601.asp The beetles are oval shaped and approximately 1/8" in length, and very in colors and patterns. The beetles by themselves don't do any damage to the home, other than, perhaps, being an annoying presence. The adult beetles primarily reside outdoors and live on a diet of flower pollen. It is their larvae, a short caterpillar-like bugs that hatch indoors and eat all of the household goods listed above. Homeowners may spot either the larvae or the beetles indoors--either being a sign that an infestation may be present.http://www.ca.uky.edu/entomology/entfacts/ef601.asp

The infestation begins when flying adult beetles choose a safe indoor location to lay their 40 to 90 eggs--commonly in linty areas near air ducts, behind baseboards, or under heavy furniture.http://www.ento.okstate.edu/ddd/insects/carpetbeetles.htm When the larvae hatch, they start munching on the household goods for up to a year, primarily restricting themselves to darker areas, such as closets, pantries, and attics.

Although one or two carpet beetle larvae are not entirely worrisome, signs that more larvae are present in the house can be a great cause for concern.

Prevention

The first step in eliminating carpet beetles and their larvae is to keep a clean house. Laundering clothes before storing will eliminate sweat odors that can attract the larvae. Vacuuming can suck up larvae that may be lingering in carpets, and should be done frequently along baseboards and under furniture.http://www.ca.uky.edu/entomology/entfacts/ef601.asp Stored clothing should be kept safe, tight trunks or bins (not in plastic). Fabrics and blankets should not be stored openly on shelves or in cupboards where carpet beetles and larvae can enter.

Elimination

Once an infestation has been discovered in a particular piece of clothing or fabric, homeowners can place the item in the freezer for 48 hours. This is decent treatment if the infestation is localized.http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/housingandclothing/DK1005.html

Insecticides are also available for use and should be applied according to product label instructions.