Black Carpet Beetle

Indoors in carpets, closets, furniture, and food pantries; outdoors in bird nests, tree hollows, and flower blossoms.

Adults feed outdoors on nectar and pollen; larvae feed indoors on animal-based natural fibers such as wool, silk, feathers, fur, leather, hair, as well as dried plant materials and stored grains.

Adults are attracted to light and often found near windows. Females lay eggs in dark, secluded areas near food sources. Larvar stage lasts several months to over a year, during which larvae cause material damage before pupating.

Pest risk: Larvae can cause damage to household fabrics, clothing, carpets, and stored food products. Hairs from larvae may cause mild skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Benefits: Outdoors, adults act as minor pollinators.