Carpet Beetle (likely Black Carpet Beetle)

Natural Habitat

Indoors, especially in undisturbed areas under carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture, in closets, pantries. Outdoors, they can be found in bird nests, animal carcasses, and dried plant matter.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae feed on a wide variety of animal-based products such as wool, silk, leather, feathers, pet hair, dried meat, and sometimes plant-based materials like grains and spices. Adult beetles feed on pollen and nectar outdoors.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae are the damaging stage, eating organic fibers and food products. They prefer dark, undisturbed areas. Adults are attracted to light and are often found near windows. They can undergo complete metamorphosis, with multiple generations per year under ideal conditions.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Can cause significant damage to textiles, clothing, carpets, historical artifacts, and stored food products. Some people may develop allergic reactions to larval hairs. Benefits: In natural ecosystems, larvae help in the decomposition of animal remains. However, their presence indoors is almost always considered a pest issue.

Identified on: 10/30/2025