Varied Carpet Beetle (Anthyrenus verbaci) in herbarium collection

[Peter Neish]

We have found numerous adults of the Varied Carpet Beetle
(Anthyrenus verbaci) on windowsills in our herbarium.  So far no larvae
have been found - apparently it is the larvae that cause damage. Does
anyone know if they eat plant specimens or do they restrict their diet to
animal products?  If they are likely to be a problem, what is the best way
of controlling them?  Management at the herbarium are very keen to
fumigate with Methyl Bromide (just in case) but it would be good to know
if this is really necessary or if there are alternatives.  A decision is likely
to be made in the next day or so, so a quick reply by email would be very
much appreciated.

Thanks,

Peter
--------------------------------------------
Peter Neish                                     Ph:   9252 2374
Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne         Fax: 9252 2350
National Herbarium
Birdwood Ave
South Yarra 3141

PNeish at rbgmelb.org.au
http://rubens.its.unimelb.EDU.AU/~marcod/