Identify lady beetles and carpet beetles
Asian lady beetles
Orange to red with variable black spots and a white marking behind the head. They gather on sunny walls in fall and move indoors for winter, leaving a yellow stain and odor when handled.
Carpet beetles
Tiny and oval, with mottled brown, black, and white patterns. The damage comes from the fuzzy, bristled larvae that feed on wool, pet hair, feathers, and stored items.
Signs you have lady beetles and carpet beetles
- Hundreds of orange beetles on a sunny wall in October
- Beetles crawling slowly across windows on winter days
- Small holes in wool, fur, or carpet edges
- Shed larval skins in a closet or along baseboards
Why they come inside
Lady beetles are looking for winter shelter, and any gap in siding or window trim will do. Carpet beetles live off lint, hair, and natural fibers that collect in quiet places, and they come in on cut flowers and used furniture.
How Go Go treats them
We handle the two differently. For lady beetles it is exclusion plus treating the walls where they gather. For carpet beetles, we inspect to find the source materials and treat the harborage, and we suggest cleaning and storing fabrics in sealed containers.
Covered by a protection plan?
Yes. Both are on the plan, so seasonal visits can address the fall invasion and watch for fabric pests. See how plans work →
FAQ
Lady Beetles & Carpet Beetles: common questions
Are lady beetles harmful?
They are not dangerous, but in large numbers they stain surfaces and can give off an odor, and they may nip.
What is eating the holes in my wool?
Carpet beetle larvae are a common cause. The adults often show up on windowsills in spring.
How do I protect stored clothes?
Wash or dry-clean items before storing them, and keep them in sealed containers rather than open boxes.