Carpet Beetle

Natural Habitat

Indoors, commonly found in homes, museums, and warehouses. They hide in dark, undisturbed areas such as carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture, closets, attics, and around baseboards.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae feed on a variety of organic materials of animal origin, including wool, silk, fur, feathers, leather, dried meat, dead insects, and pet food. Adults typically feed on pollen and nectar outdoors.

Behavior Patterns

Adult carpet beetles are often attracted to light and may be seen near windows. The larvae are the destructive stage, shunning light and preferring undisturbed areas where they can feed on natural fibers. They undergo complete metamorphosis.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Carpet beetle larvae can cause significant damage to household items made of wool, silk, fur, and other animal products, including carpets, clothing, and upholstery. They do not bite humans but can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals due to hairs shed by the larvae. Benefits: In nature, they play a role as scavengers, consuming dead organic matter.

Identified on: 9/13/2025