Black Carpet Beetle Larva

Natural Habitat

Found indoors in dark, undisturbed areas such as under baseboards, inside closets, under furniture, or within air ducts where organic debris accumulates.

Diet & Feeding

Scavengers that feed on animal-based products including wool, silk, leather, fur, feathers, hair, pet dander, and dried insects, as well as some plant-based materials like grains and flour.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae are slow-moving and avoid light. They undergo a complete metamorphosis (egg, larva, pupa, adult). The larval stage is the longest part of their life cycle, lasting from several months to years depending on food availability and temperature.

Risks & Benefits

They are significant household pests that damage clothing, upholstery, and carpets. While they do not bite humans, their bristly hairs can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions (carpet beetle dermatitis) in sensitive individuals.

Identified on: 3/9/2026