Varied Carpet Beetle

Natural Habitat

Indoors in homes, warehouses, and museums; outdoors in nests of birds, bees, and wasps, or on flowers.

Diet & Feeding

Adults feed on pollen and nectar. Larvae (the primary pests) feed on natural fibers such as wool, silk, fur, feathers, and dead insects.

Behavior Patterns

They exhibit complete metamorphosis. Adults are attracted to light and are often found near windows. Larvae prefer dark, undisturbed areas where they slowly consume organic materials.

Risks & Benefits

They are a significant household pest that can damage clothing, carpets, and upholstery. While they do not bite humans, the larval hairs (setae) can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Identified on: 2/21/2026