Black Carpet Beetle

Natural Habitat

Indoor environments such as homes, warehouses, and museums; outdoors in bird nests or clover.

Diet & Feeding

Adults feed on pollen and nectar. Larvae are scavengers and eat animal products including wool, silk, feathers, hair, dried meat, and cereal.

Behavior Patterns

The insect undergoes complete metamorphosis. Larvae are the primary stage that causes damage, often hiding in dark, undisturbed areas like closets, baseboards, and under furniture.

Risks & Benefits

Adults are harmless but can indicate an infestation. Larvae are destructive household pests that can ruin clothing, carpets, and upholstery; some people may experience allergic reactions to larval hairs.

Identified on: 3/8/2026