Carpet Beetle Larva

Typically found indoors in carpets, closets, air ducts, and behind baseboards; outdoors in bird nests or on flowers.

Scavengers that feed on organic materials including wool, silk, feathers, fur, pet hair, dead insects, and dried food products.

Slow-moving and avoids light; the larval stage can last from several months to a year depending on food availability and temperature. They undergo complete metamorphosis.

Risks: Major household pest that can damage textiles and natural fibers. Larval hairs (hastisetae) can cause 'carpet beetle dermatitis'—an allergic skin reaction or respiratory irritation in humans. Benefits: In nature, they help decompose animal matter.