Carpet Beetle (larva)

Natural Habitat

Indoors: carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture, clothing, stored food products, taxidermy, animal products. Outdoors: nests of birds and insects, animal carcasses.

Diet & Feeding

Natural fibers (wool, silk, leather, fur), pet hair, stored dry food products (grains, cereals, pasta, dried meats), dead insects, animal remains.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae are typically found in dark, undisturbed areas. They are known for their slow movement and often curl up when threatened. They undergo complete metamorphosis, with larvae molting multiple times before pupating. Adults are often found near windows as they are attracted to light.

Risks & Benefits

Potential risks include damage to natural fiber textiles, carpets, and stored food products. Some people may also experience skin irritation or allergic reactions to the larval hairs. They are generally not harmful to humans directly (e.g., do not bite or sting). As a benefit, some species are used in museums to clean skeletons.

Identified on: 9/5/2025