What is the caterpillar-like insect found in the house?

What is the caterpillar-like insect found in the house?

The caterpillar-like insect is likely a carpet beetle larva. It is the larval stage of the carpet beetle, not a true caterpillar.

What do carpet beetle larvae look like?

• Small, about 3-5 mm, covered in rings of brown or dark brown hairs.
• Body is spindle-shaped, tapered at both ends.
• Curl into a ball and play dead when disturbed.
• Move slowly, often crawling on walls, ceilings, or furniture surfaces.

Difference from true caterpillars

• True caterpillars are larvae of butterflies or moths and eat plant leaves.
• Carpet beetle larvae are beetle larvae that feed on animal-based proteins and dry goods.
• Carpet beetle larvae have stiffer, denser hairs (setae).

What do carpet beetle larvae eat?

They have a varied diet, especially preferring animal proteins:

• Woolen clothing, wool carpets, furs.
• Down comforters, down jackets, silk products.
• Dried meat, meat floss, dried fish.
• Animal specimens and fur products.
• Pet hair and dander.
• Dead insects (they also eat other insect carcasses).

What to do if found

If these insects are found crawling on carpets, in wardrobes, or under beds, it indicates an infestation. Act quickly to find the source, clean affected items, and spray dinotefuran-containing household insecticide in corners and crevices.