Varied Carpet Beetle

Found indoors in homes, warehouses, and museums, as well as outdoors in bird nests or on flowers.

Larvae eat natural fibers like wool, silk, feathers, and hair; adults feed on pollen and nectar.

Larvae are scavengers and move slowly while feeding; adults are attracted to light and are often seen near windows in the spring.

Larvae can cause significant damage to household items and fabrics; they do not bite humans, but their hairs can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions.