Carpet Beetle Larva

Natural Habitat

Indoors in dark, undisturbed areas like closets, attics, under furniture, or rugs, feeding on organic materials. Outdoors, they can be found in nests of birds or insects.

Diet & Feeding

Keratin-based materials (wool, silk, feathers, fur, leather), dried animal products, dead insects, pet hair, lint, and some plant-based materials.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae are the damaging stage, actively feeding on organic materials. They prefer dark, undisturbed locations. They undergo several molts before pupating. Adults are often found near windows as they seek to exit for outdoor feeding on pollen and nectar.

Risks & Benefits

Potential risks include damage to personal property (clothing, carpets, upholstery, stored foods) made of animal fibers. They can also cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals due to their barbed hairs. Generally, they are not a direct health threat to humans. No significant benefits are associated with their presence indoors.

Identified on: 11/6/2025