Barberry berberis vulgaris is not generally thought to be native to britain but it was once planted widely as a hedgerow shrub as it grows densely and has sharp spines.
Caterpillar in the carpet.
These are newly hatched carpet bugs that will be around 1 8 of an inch long and covered in coarse hairs almost like a caterpillar.
However in the 19th century it was discovered that the plant is a host for a fungus that causes stem rust which damages wheat.
It was a familiar species but still a bit early i think.
Vacuum every corner of the carpet and use a vacuum extension to suck up any beetles and larvae on your furniture.
Making sure our house was thoroughly cleaned i got on my hands and knees and proceeded to pick at it with my finger.
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Look for the carpet bug larvae.
Carpet caterpillar at this time of year even here in southern arizona i am always a bit surprised to find insect activity.
Imagine my shock then at finding a caterpillar on my living room floor today.
The caterpillars of this delicately patterned moth depend on barberry plants for their survival.
I found a hard substance that was incrusted in our carpet while i was cleaning.
Don t ever skip looking for these as evidence of adults also indicates probable presence of larvae.