Common Carpet Beetle Larva

Natural Habitat

Commonly found indoors in homes, warehouses, and museums, often in carpets, upholstery, and stored fabrics.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae feed on natural animal fibers like wool, silk, fur, feathers, and hair, as well as dried food products and dead insects.

Behavior Patterns

Scavenging larvae that prefer dark, undisturbed areas. They undergo a long larval stage (up to a year) before pupating and emerging as pollen-eating adults.

Risks & Benefits

Can cause significant damage to household textiles and natural fiber clothing. While not harmful to humans directly, their bristly hairs can cause allergic skin reactions or respiratory irritation in sensitive individuals.

Identified on: 5/21/2026