Carpet Beetle Larva

Natural Habitat

Typically found indoors in dark, undisturbed areas such as closets, under furniture, in carpets, or near woolens and stored products; outdoors found in bird nests or bee hives.

Diet & Feeding

Feeds on keratin-rich natural fibers including wool, silk, fur, feathers, leather, pet hair, and dead insects.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae tend to avoid light and move slowly, often hiding in folds of fabric or cracks in flooring. They molt several times, leaving behind shed skins that look like the larvae themselves. Adults are attracted to light and often found on windowsills.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Major household pest that causes damage to clothing, carpets, heavily upholstered furniture, and museum specimens; can cause contact dermatitis (carpet beetle rash) in some people due to their bristly hairs. Benefits: In nature, they act as decomposers of animal remains.

Identified on: 2/19/2026