Varied Carpet Beetle

Natural Habitat

Indoors near windows, baseboards, and upholstered furniture; outdoors on flowering plants.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae eat natural fibers (wool, silk, feathers), dead insects, and dried pet food; adults feed on pollen and nectar.

Behavior Patterns

Adults are attracted to light and are often found on windowsills in spring. Larvae are scavengers that move slowly and shy away from light, often hiding in dark, undisturbed areas.

Risks & Benefits

They are significant household pests that can damage clothing, carpets, and blankets. Larval hairs can cause allergic reactions or skin irritation in some humans, but they pose no threat of biting or disease transmission.

Identified on: 3/30/2026