Hide and fur beetles are two different types of beetle in the dermestid family. Their larvae feed on animal-based materials and can sometimes be found indoors.
An adult beetle near a window or damage to natural fabrics may be worrying, but it does not automatically mean there is a hidden dead animal.
What are hide and fur beetles?
The hide beetle, Dermestes maculatus, is associated with animal materials such as hides, skins, feathers and dried animal matter.
The fur beetle, Attagenus pellio, is also known as the two-spotted carpet beetle. Its larvae can feed on materials including wool, fur, feathers and other animal-based fibres.
They are different species, so identifying which beetle is present helps explain what may be attracting it and where to look for the source.
How to recognise them
Hide beetle
Adult hide beetles are oval and usually about 5.5 to 10 mm long. They are dark brown or black, with pale hairs around parts of the thorax and a mostly pale underside. The wing cases have pointed tips.
The larvae are longer, brown and hairy, often with a banded appearance. Mature larvae may leave their food source and bore into suitable material to make a pupation site. This can damage materials such as wood or insulation, but seeing a beetle does not by itself mean the building structure has been damaged.
Fur beetle
Adult fur beetles are shiny black and about 4.5 to 5 mm long. They have small white markings, including a spot on each wing case. They may be seen near windows after flying indoors from outside.
The larvae are brown, hairy and carrot-shaped, with a long tuft of hairs at the rear. They can grow to around 12 mm and are the stage that damages fabrics and other animal-based materials.
A dark beetle or hairy larva is not enough to confirm the species. Other carpet beetles and larder beetles can look similar.
Life cycle
Both beetles develop through four stages: egg, larva, pupa and adult. The larvae do most of the feeding and cause most of the damage.
Fur beetles usually have about one generation a year in the UK. Their development can take several months, and breeding may continue in warm, protected places. Adult fur beetles feed on pollen and may fly indoors to lay eggs near a suitable larval food source.
Hide beetles also lay eggs near suitable food. Their larvae feed and moult as they grow, then move to a suitable place to pupate. The time taken depends on conditions and the food available.
Where might they come from?
Possible sources include:
- Old bird nests in roof spaces or eaves
- Dead animals or other dry animal matter
- Wool, fur, feathers, leather or animal specimens
- Pet food or food debris
A bird nest or animal remains can be a source, but it is not the explanation for every sighting. Beetles may also be associated with stored materials or other food sources.
Signs of activity
You may notice adult beetles near windows, hairy larvae in cupboards or roof spaces, shed larval skins, or damage to wool, fur, feathers, carpets or other natural materials. Finding larvae can help locate the source, but the source may be somewhere hidden.
The main concern is damage to materials. Hairs shed by larvae may also irritate the skin or eyes of some people, so avoid handling larvae or shed skins directly.
How Guardian can help
We’ll assess the beetle activity and its likely source, then advise on the treatment we consider necessary. The right approach depends on the species, the source and the extent of activity.
If you’re unsure what you’ve found, tell us where you saw it and what has been affected. A clear photograph may help, but it may not confirm the species.
