Carpet Beetle

Natural Habitat

Indoors, they are commonly found in dark, undisturbed areas like closets, attics, under furniture, or in cracks and crevices where lint and pet hair accumulate. Outdoors, they live in nests of birds or insects.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae prefer animal products such as wool, silk, fur, feathers, and leather, as well as dead insects or dried animal remains. Adults typically feed on nectar and pollen outdoors.

Behavior Patterns

Carpet beetles undergo complete metamorphosis, which includes egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages. The larval stage is responsible for most of the damage as they feed on natural fibers. They often play dead when disturbed.

Risks & Benefits

Potential risks include damage to clothing, carpets, upholstery, and stored food products made from animal fibers. They do not bite humans but some people may experience skin irritation from hairs shed by the larvae. They can be beneficial in nature as decomposers.

Identified on: 8/17/2025