Carpet Beetle Larva

Indoors, typically found in dark, undisturbed areas such as closets, attics, under furniture, in carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture, and stored food products.

Feeds on natural fibers and protein-rich materials, including wool, silk, feathers, leather, fur, pet hair, dead insects, museum specimens, and sometimes stored dry food products like cereals and pasta.

Larvae are generally slow-moving, preferring dark, protected environments. They shed their skin multiple times as they grow, and these shed skins (exuviae) can often be found along with fecal pellets. Adults are often found near windows as they are attracted to light and feed on pollen and nectar outdoors, then fly inside to lay eggs. Larvae cause the damage.

Potential risks include significant damage to textiles, clothing, carpets, upholstered furniture, and museum collections. They do not bite or sting humans, but their shed skins and hairs can cause allergic reactions or skin irritation (dermestid itch) in sensitive individuals. There are no notable benefits in an indoor household environment.