Knowledgebase

Are these larva, Khapra beetles? #818495

Asked January 12, 2023, 11:34 AM EST

I found these larva in rodent poison paraffin wax cubes. My exterminator said they could be Khapra beetle larva but an entomologist would need to verify. I also saved the paraffin wax cubes in Ziploc bags if they need to be sent out. They're slightly shorter than the length of 1 grain of rice.

Howard County Maryland

Expert Response

These appear to be commonly-encountered carpet beetle larvae, which can occur in many homes as they feed on dried animal products like wool, felt, shed human or pet hair, fur clothing or decorative fur products, feathers, and taxidermy. Despite "carpet" in their name, they won't feed on synthetic-fiber carpets themselves per se, although the beetles can use other debris settled within carpets, especially detritus that accumulates around carpet edges along walls or underneath throw rugs. The University of Kentucky web page linked at the end of our Carpet Beetle page provides more detail about what their potential food sources can be and how to prevent and control infestations. Typically, thorough vacuuming and the washing of any unclean woolens and similar fabrics is sufficient to keep their numbers low or unnoticed and damage a non-issue.

Khapra Beetle is a relative of the carpet beetles found in homes, belonging to the same beetle family, but thus far is not currently established in the U.S., according to the USDA National Invasive Species Information Center. Its primary food sources are dried plant and animal products, mainly stored grains. An entomologist employed by, affiliated with, or at the disposal of a professional pest control company or exterminator may be able to ID these to species if they take samples. We can't make a positive ID from photos, unfortunately, since microscopic examination is going to be needed to distinguish fine details in their body structure from other look-alike members of that beetle family.


Miri

Thank you for your quick response Miri! I saved the paraffin wax blocks with some dead larva in there. Would it help if I sent out the specimen to be examined? If yes, where should they be sent to?

Thanks, Danielle
The Question Asker Replied January 12, 2023, 4:41 PM EST

You're welcome.

While not necessary, if you're concerned or if your exterminator was experienced enough to be worried it was this particular beetle, it wouldn't hurt to see if they can be identified, just in case there's a slim chance they are the invasive species. (Inbound port shipments are regularly inspected for this pest, but human error is always possible.) Otherwise, it's highly likely they are probably just typical household carpet beetle larvae. We don't have a diagnostic lab for insect samples like this, but you can see if an entomologist employed by, affiliated with, or at the disposal of a professional pest control company or exterminator may be able to ID these to species (if they take samples).

Miri

Loading ...