Tiny fibre-eating larvae are creeping into city homes and invading bedding, blankets and clothes. 

The carpet beetle is prevalent indoors at this time of year because people are bringing out their heavier items of clothing and homewares, which is where the insects thrive. 

The critters leave larvae in areas with little footfall before hatching in winter and chomping through natural fibres. 

But as well as being a nasty sight, the larvae are known to cause many health complications.  

Norwich Evening News: Andrew warns that folk need to address the bugs straight away to avoid them devastating the home Andrew warns that folk need to address the bugs straight away to avoid them devastating the home (Image: Andrew Dellbridge)

Andrew Dellbridge from Norwich-based Ace Pest Control is already seeing increased calls about the bugs, adding: “The skin irritation and breathing difficulties seen by many comes from an allergic reaction to the bristles on the larvae.

"Carpet beetles' larvae are called 'woolly bears' as they are similar to maggots but very hairy.

"They have also been known to bite but this is not as painful as a flea or a bedbug bite.” 

As well as munching through carpets these bugs have also been known to eat through curtains and curtain linings.

The Norwich-based pest expert said: “They munch out of sight and they munch all year long – then the adults come out in April ready to go into someone else's home and start the process again.  

“You might think having just one or two of these horrible things is fine but because of the smell they leave behind it is more likely that more adults will come along and continue the damage that has been started.  

Norwich Evening News: Carpet beetles emerge as adults in April, but the larvae are munching all year round Carpet beetles emerge as adults in April, but the larvae are munching all year round (Image: Submit)

“It's not until you move a piece of furniture that you find they have devasted the entire carpet underneath it.” 

Luckily for city folk the bugs can be treated fairly easily and there are some steps that can be taken to keep on top of them.  

Andrew said: “For home treatment I would suggest getting a steam cleaner – heating up all the corners and hard-to-get-to areas should help get rid of what you have.  

“I would suggest moving cupboards and furniture out and hoovering and cleaning under them.”