Black Carpet Beetle

Natural Habitat

Found indoors in homes, warehouses, and museums; outdoors in nests of birds, rodents, or insects.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae feed on animal products like wool, silk, feathers, hair, and dried plant materials; adults feed on pollen and nectar.

Behavior Patterns

Adults are attracted to light and are often found near windows; they have a complete metamorphosis cycle (egg, larva, pupa, adult) which can take several months to years depending on conditions.

Risks & Benefits

Risks include damage to household textiles, clothing, and stored food products; larvae can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some people through contact with their hairs.

Identified on: 6/22/2026