Carpet Beetle (likely Varied Carpet Beetle or Black Carpet Beetle larva)

Natural Habitat

Indoors, especially in areas with natural fibers like carpets, rugs, woolens, furs, taxidermy, stored products (grains, cereals), and sometimes dried pet food. They prefer dark, undisturbed areas.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae feed on natural fibers, keratin (found in hair, feathers, wool), dried animal products, and sometimes stored pantry items. Adults feed on pollen and nectar outdoors but do not feed on household materials.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae are the destructive stage, identifiable by their hairy, bristly appearance and often moving slowly. Adults are small, oval-shaped beetles, often found near windows as they are attracted to light, or outdoors on flowers. They undergo complete metamorphosis (egg, larva, pupa, adult).

Risks & Benefits

Potential risks include damage to personal property (clothing, carpets, furniture) and stored food products. They are not known to bite humans or transmit diseases, but their bristles can cause skin irritation in some individuals. There are no significant benefits to humans in an indoor setting, but in nature, some species can assist in decomposition processes.

Identified on: 9/5/2025