Need pest help? Save $50 on your first recurring service today with code GET50

What are the tiny tan worms in my bathroom?

Question: I have these tiny off-white, tan worms in my bathroom. One got in my toothbrush and I’m totally grossed out. What are they, how did they get in and what can I do?

Carpet Beetle Larva Illustration

Answer: What you may have found are carpet beetle larvae. They are characteristically brown, they may look banded with brown and pale stripes, and with long ”hairs” at the tail end. They are slow moving across walls and floors. The molted skins of these larvae are often found in cabinets and closets and are an indication of an ongoing infestation of carpet beetles. The adults are often seen indoors in the spring.

The larval stage can feed on a variety of material, but most often it attacks woolens, skins, leather and feathers. They also feed on stored food materials (from birdseed to spices, cereals and flour), and when these are not available it can live on dead insects.

This is really a best guess; without a specimen or an inspection where they are seen, it is hard to make an accurate identification.

For additional help, call your local Orkin Branch Office and have a highly trained Orkin Pest Specialist inspect and identify the pest in question.

Your Orkin Specialist will develop a customized solution based on science that best meets your needs.

One way to control these beetles is to vacuum thoroughly. Have any infested woolens dry cleaned and stored in a sealed container. Check the kitchen for infested food packages. Throw away any infested packages. Regular vacuuming and inspecting food materials will keep them under control. This is something that you can do and would help a specialist with the treatments for your home.

Related Questions

Orkin used the information above to answer similar questions submitted by Orkin.com users:

Question: I found some bugs in my bathroom, and I wanted to know if you could help me figure out what they are. It is no bigger than 1/8″, oval shape and tan and black stripes … any idea?

Question: There is a worm-type bug that is in my apartment. They are probably close to a half-inch long and skinny (not flat, but just tiny). They are yellowish with dark red/brown heads. When disturbed, they curl up. What are they, and how can they be disposed of? A pest control person comes into the apartment every three months and sprays stuff for routine maintenance, but nothing helps with the “worm” problem.

Question: I have these very small worms. I found these dead, but I keep getting more. They look brown and they are curled up.

Ask Orkin

Get More Answers from Orkin

How to Control Ladybugs and Larvae Infestations

Q

Does your company offer a solution for getting rid of ladybugs?

What Do Bed Bugs and Eggs Look Like on Clothes?

Q

What do I do with the clothes?

How Long Does Ant Bait Take to Get Rid of Ants?

Q

Since my initial Orkin service one week ago, my ant problem has gotten worse. The ants are in the kitchen now, where initially they were not. What can be done to keep the ants at bay while waiting for extra service?

Can Bed Bugs Jump or Fly? | How do Bed Bugs Travel?

What is the cost for getting rid of ticks?

Q

What does Orkin charge to inspect a two-bedroom apartment?

How do I stop mice from getting inside the house?

Q

I have children and I'm curious how effective your services are for getting rid of mice once and for all.

How do I get rid of box elder bugs inside?

Q

Can you effectively get rid of box elder bugs from inside the house? Please tell me about the plan and how it works. What is the estimated cost?

What is the cost to get rid of wasps?

Q

How much does it cost to get rid of an infestation of mice in an apartment?

What should I look for when choosing a pest control company?

Q

What should I look for when choosing a pest control company/professional?

How do I keep spiders out of my home?

Q

How do I keep spiders out of my home?

Connect with Us

Our customer care team is available for you 24 hours a day.

877-819-5061

Find a Branch

Our local Pros are the pest experts in your area.

Get a Personalized Quote

We will help you find the right treatment plan for your home.

THE BEST IN PESTS.™

SERVICES

Pest ControlTermite ControlPrevent and Protect

PEST LIBRARY

Browse All Pests

© 2023 Orkin LLC

Terms of UsePrivacyAccessibility StatementCareers