Carpet Beetle

Natural Habitat

Carpet beetles are commonly found indoors, in homes, museums, warehouses, and other buildings. They prefer dark, undisturbed areas where their food sources are abundant, such as rugs, carpets, upholstered furniture, clothing, attics, and even in food storage areas.

Diet & Feeding

The larvae of carpet beetles are the destructive stage, feeding on a wide variety of animal products and natural fibers. This includes wool, silk, fur, feathers, leather, pet food, dried meats, museum specimens, taxidermy, and even sometimes plant-based materials like grains and cereals. Adult carpet beetles feed on pollen and nectar outdoors.

Behavior Patterns

Carpet beetles undergo a complete metamorphosis (egg, larva, pupa, adult). The larvae are often hairy or bristly and are the primary cause of damage. Adults are attracted to light and may be found on windowsills, but they do not typically feed indoors on household items. They are generally slow-moving. Their presence often goes unnoticed until significant damage is observed.

Risks & Benefits

Potential risks include significant damage to natural fiber products like carpets, clothing, and upholstered furniture, as well as stored food products and museum collections. Some people may also experience allergic reactions (dermatitis) to larval hairs. They are not known to transmit diseases to humans or pets. In nature, they play a role as scavengers, breaking down dead animal matter.

Identified on: 9/26/2025