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

Should I buy a house with beam damage from insects?

Q

Could it be ants instead of termites causing the damage?

Long, brown, hard shell bug that jumps

Carpenter Ant Infestation in the House

Q

Large carpenter ant infestations can cause structural damage to your home. Make sure your home is protected from carpenter ants with Orkin.

Rat Mite Bites vs. Bed Bug Bites

Q

Learn how to tell the difference between rat mites and bed bug infestations. Call an Orkin Pro for help with mite and bed bug control.

Do Bed Bugs Have Wings? | Flying Bed Bugs

How can I get rid of a spider in my car?

Q

I saw a spider in my car today, but I was unable to kill it. What can I do now?

What kind of spider do I have?

Q

I have large, hairy spiders in and around my house. Is it a tarantula or something else?

How or where do bed bug infestations originate?

Q

I was wondering if you could answer some questions for me so I could include them in my article.

Is pest control safe for newborn babies?

Q

We have a newborn in our house, and I'm wondering if it is safe to spray for pests.

Is it normal to see dead bugs showing up for several days after a pest control treatment

Q

If so, does that mean there is an infestation problem?

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

Your Branch  

Call Now