Carpet Beetle

Indoor environments, often found in carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture, clothing, and stored food products. Outdoors, they can be found in bird nests or animal carcasses.

Larvae feed on natural fibers like wool, silk, fur, feathers, and dried animal products (e.g., dead insects, pet food). Adults feed on pollen and nectar.

Larvae are the damaging stage, causing irregular holes in textiles. They are often found in dark, undisturbed areas. Adults are good flyers and are attracted to light, occasionally found near windows. They undergo complete metamorphosis.

Risks: Can cause significant damage to household items made of natural fibers, including clothing, carpets, and fur. They can also infest dried food products. Benefits: Involved in decomposition in eco-systems by feeding on dead animal matter.