Black Carpet Beetle

Natural Habitat

Commonly found indoors in homes, warehouses, and museums where organic materials are stored; also found outdoors in bird nests or on flowers.

Diet & Feeding

Adults feed on pollen and nectar. Larvae are scavengers that consume keratin and chitin, feeding on wool, fur, silk, feathers, dead insects, and dried food products.

Behavior Patterns

Adults are often attracted to light and seen on windowsills. The larval stage is the most destructive, lasting several months to years depending on temperature and food availability.

Risks & Benefits

Potential risk include damage to household textiles, clothing, and stored food. They serve an ecosystem benefit as scavengers by breaking down animal-based organic matter.

Identified on: 5/12/2026