Varied Carpet Beetle

Indoors within homes, museum collections, and warehouses; outdoors in bird nests, bee hives, and on flowering plants.

Larvae feed on natural fibers like wool, silk, fur, feathers, and dead insects. Adults feed primarily on pollen and nectar.

Larvae are avoidant of light and prefer dark, secluded areas where they can feed undisturbed. Adults are attracted to light and are often found near windows. They undergo a complete metamorphosis with a long larval stage.

They are a significant pest that can damage carpets, clothing, and upholstery. While they do not bite humans, the bristles on the larvae can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.