Black Carpet Beetle

Natural Habitat

Commonly found indoors in dark, secluded places like closets, baseboards, carpets, and upholstered furniture. Outdoors, they may be found in bird or rodent nests.

Diet & Feeding

The larvae feed on natural fibers such as wool, silk, fur, feathers, and hair. They also consume dried food products like cereals, flour, and pet food. Adults primarily feed on pollen and nectar from flowers.

Behavior Patterns

Adult beetles are attracted to light and are often found near windows, trying to get outdoors to feed and mate. The destructive larvae prefer dark, undisturbed areas where food sources are available. The life cycle can take several months to over a year to complete.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: The larvae are pests that can cause significant damage to clothing, carpets, furniture, and stored food items. The bristly hairs of the larvae can cause an allergic skin reaction (dermatitis) in some sensitive individuals. Benefits: In their natural outdoor environment, they act as decomposers by breaking down animal-based materials in nests and carcasses.

Identified on: 11/16/2025