Carpet Beetle Larva

Typically found indoors in dark, undisturbed areas such as closets, carpet edges, underneath furniture, and in storage boxes containing natural fibers. In nature, they inhabit birds nests or animal dens.

Larvae feed on natural animal fibers including wool, fur, silk, feathers, dead insects, pet dander, and dried plant products. Adults feed on pollen and nectar.

The larvae move slowly and tend to avoid light. They are often discovered when they are wandering away from their food source to find a place to pupate. The larval stage is the destructive phase, which can last for several months to a year.

Risks: The bristly hairs (hastisetae) on the larvae can cause skin irritation or dermatitis (carpet beetle dermatitis) in sensitive individuals. They are significant pests that cause damage to clothing, carpets, and upholstery made of natural fibers. Benefits: adults are minor pollinators outdoors.