Carpet Beetle Larva

Natural Habitat

Typically found indoors in dark, undisturbed areas like closets, attics, pantries, and beneath furniture, as well as in bird or rodent nests outdoors.

Diet & Feeding

Feeds on natural organic fibers such as wool, silk, fur, felt, leather, dead insects, pet dander, and occasionally dried food products.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae prefer dark, secluded places and move slowly. They shed their skins multiple times as they grow, leaving behind distinct empty exoskeletons. This stage causes the actual damage to fabrics.

Risks & Benefits

Risk: They are a common household pest that can cause significant damage to clothing, carpets, and upholstery made from natural fibers. The bristly hairs can cause skin irritation (dermatitis) in sensitive individuals. Benefit: In nature, they act as decomposers of animal matter.

Identified on: 3/2/2026