Carpet Beetle (larva)

Natural Habitat

Indoors, especially in areas with natural fibers such as carpets, rugs, woolen items, upholstered furniture, pet hair, and even dried food products. They prefer dark, undisturbed areas.

Diet & Feeding

Keratin-based materials (wool, silk, fur, feathers), dried animal products, stored dry foods (grains, cereals), and pet food. They are scavengers.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae are the damaging stage, often found crawling slowly in infested areas. They avoid light and may roll up when disturbed. Adults feed on pollen and nectar outdoors but lay eggs indoors. The larval stage can last for several months to a year depending on conditions and food availability.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Significant pests of stored products and natural fiber textiles, causing damage to carpets, clothing, and museum specimens. They do not bite or sting humans, but their shed larval skins can cause allergic reactions (dermatitis) for some sensitive individuals. Benefits: In natural environments, they play a role as decomposers, assisting in the breakdown of animal remains.

Identified on: 11/16/2025