Carpet Beetle Larva

Natural Habitat

Commonly found indoors in dark, undisturbed areas such as under baseboards, in closets, beneath carpets, and inside upholstered furniture.

Diet & Feeding

Scavengers that feed on organic materials, particularly animal products like wool, fur, silk, feathers, and leather, as well as dead insects and accumulated lint/hair.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae avoid light and prefer dark crevices. They undergo multiple molts, leaving behind translucent brown shed skins. The larval stage can last from a few months to a couple of years depending on food availability and environment.

Risks & Benefits

They are a household pest because they can cause significant damage to fabrics and natural fibers. While they do not bite humans, their bristly hairs can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions (carpet beetle dermatitis) in sensitive individuals.

Identified on: 2/16/2026