Carpet beetle larva

Natural Habitat

Indoors, especially in areas with undisturbed natural fibers such as carpets, rugs, clothing, upholstered furniture, and stored food products. Also found in attics, wall voids, and nests of birds or rodents.

Diet & Feeding

Feeds on a wide range of organic materials of animal origin (keratin, chitin, animal hair/fur, feathers, dead insects, museum specimens) and plant origin (stored grains, spices, dried fruit, cotton, wool, silk).

Behavior Patterns

Larvae are typically slow-moving and often found in dark, undisturbed areas. They are known to shed their skins multiple times as they grow, and these shed skins can be a sign of an infestation. Adults are winged and often found near windows as they are attracted to light.

Risks & Benefits

Potential risks include damage to textiles, clothing, carpets, and stored food products. They do not bite humans but can cause skin irritation in some individuals due to their bristly hairs. There are no direct benefits to humans, but they play a role as scavengers in nature, breaking down organic matter.

Identified on: 9/19/2025