Varied Carpet Beetle

Natural Habitat

Found indoors in homes, warehouses, and museums, as well as outdoors in bird nests or on flowering plants.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae feed on natural fibers like wool, silk, feathers, and fur, as well as dried food products and pet hair. Adults feed on pollen and nectar.

Behavior Patterns

The larvae are scavengers that move slowly and avoid light. Adults typically emerge in spring and are attracted to light, often found near windows.

Risks & Benefits

They are major household pests that can damage clothing, carpets, and upholstery. Their larval hairs can cause allergic skin reactions (carpet beetle dermatitis) in some humans.

Identified on: 5/20/2026