Fuzzy bugs may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of household pests, but these hairy little critters do occasionally find their way indoors. From spiders to beetles, fuzzy insects span a range of species and can be a nuisance when they invade your home.

In this article, we’ll take a close look at 10 of the most common fuzzy bugs you may encounter, what attracts them, the damage they can cause, and how to get rid of them.

1. Carpet Beetle Larvae

Carpet beetle larvae are one of the most common fuzzy bugs found in homes. Also known as wooly bears, the hairy caterpillar-like larvae feed on materials like carpet, clothing, and other fabrics.

You may spot them crawling on walls and windowsills or hiding in corners. An infestation can damage carpets blankets, upholstery and clothing made from natural fibers like wool and silk.

To control carpet beetles, regularly vacuum and clean your home to remove the hair, skin flakes, and other debris they feed on. Wash clothing and linens often and store them in sealed containers. You can also use desiccant dusts in infested areas.

2. Clothes Moth Larvae

Clothes moths are another fuzzy fabric pest. The larvae have dense hairs and feed on natural fibers in clothing carpets, and other textiles.

Look for the tiny caterpillars crawling on clothing, especially wool sweaters and other animal-fiber materials. Like carpet beetles, they leave small holes and shredded patches behind.

To prevent or eliminate clothes moths, periodically wash and sun all clothing, vacuum carpets and upholstery regularly, and store susceptible items in airtight containers. Contact a pest management professional for severe infestations.

3. Pantry Moths

Indian meal moths and other pantry moth larvae have hairy bodies and chew through stored food items like flour, cereals, nuts, birdseed, and pet food.

Look for the crawling larvae in kitchen cabinets and pantries. Webbing may also indicate their presence. Discard infested items and thoroughly clean shelves with soap and water to remove any remaining eggs or larvae.

Prevention is key for pantry moths. Keep food in airtight containers and check regularly for signs of an infestation.

4. Fuzzy Caterpillars

Many species of caterpillars develop fuzzy hair coverings for protection. Some common examples include:

• Hickory tussock moth caterpillars – Black and white, found on trees
• Woolly bears – Red and black, found on low vegetation
• Tent caterpillars – White and blue, build silken nests on trees

While the hairs may look intimidating, most fuzzy caterpillars don’t sting or bite. However, some people may experience skin irritation from contact with the hairs. Avoid touching any fuzzy caterpillars you come across.

5. Spider Beetle Larvae

Spider beetle larvae are aptly named for their spindly hairy appearance. They feed on a wide range of foods, so you may find them contaminating pantry items, cereals, pet food, dried plants, and more.

Their damage is often mistaken for that of pantry moths. Check for small pinholes in food packaging. Discard anything showing signs of infestation and clean storage areas thoroughly. Spider beetle larvae can also invade homes from bird or rodent nests.

6. Drugstore Beetle Larvae

The larvae of drugstore beetles and cigarette beetles are another type of hairy pantry pest. They feed on a variety of dried foods including flour, cereals, spices, herbs, and dried fruit.

You may spot the fuzzy larvae crawling on food packages or pantry shelves. Like other pantry pests, be sure to discard any infested items and clean the area thoroughly to remove eggs.

7. Carpet Caterpillars

Despite their name, carpet caterpillars aren’t a true caterpillar but the larvae of a small beetle. They have dense hairs and feed on wool carpet and fabrics, as well as cobwebs, animal droppings, and other debris.

For control, thoroughly clean carpeted areas and upholstery by vacuuming frequently. You can also have carpets steam cleaned periodically to kill any larvae and eggs. Using tape or sticky traps near baseboards may help capture the larvae as well.

8. Flea Larvae

Flea larvae develop fuzzy white bodies and feed on organic debris and flea excrement found in carpets, pet bedding, cracks, and crevices.

Since flea larvae require blood meals from pets to continue developing, controlling fleas on your pets is the first step. Then thoroughly clean infested areas by vacuuming frequently and laundering pet bedding regularly. Insecticidal sprays or foggers can help eliminate severe infestations.

9. Dust Mites

Microscopic dust mites are one of the most common fuzzy pests living in your home. The eight-legged creatures thrive in fabrics, carpeting, and soft furnishings where they feed on sloughed-off dead skin cells.

Although too small to see with the naked eye, dust mites and their waste can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Frequently vacuuming carpets, bedding, and upholstered furniture helps control dust mite populations.

10. Millipedes

House-invading millipedes have elongated rounded bodies covered in numerous tiny hairs or bristles. They tend to wander indoors during wet weather in search of moisture.

Although not insects, millipedes can damage leafy plants or leave stains on walls and tile floors as they crawl. The best solution is to seal any entry points, trim plantings near foundations, improve drainage, and dehumidify damp basements or crawlspaces.

Summary

As you can see, a range of fuzzy or hairy pests can make their way into your home. Regular cleaning and decluttering habits help deter many of these bugs by removing food sources, debris, and breeding sites. Discarding infested items is also key for pantry and fabric pests.

For severe infestations, or if you are unable to locate the source, work with a professional pest control company. They can identify the specific species and develop a targeted treatment program to eliminate fuzzy pests from your home.