Carpet Beetle (likely Black Carpet Beetle or Varied Carpet Beetle)

Natural Habitat

Indoors: particularly in dark, undisturbed areas like closets, attics, under carpets, in baseboards, and within upholstered furniture. Outdoors: nests of birds and other animals, insect nests, and dead animals.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae feed on a wide variety of animal-based products, including wool, silk, fur, feathers, leather, pet food, dead insects, and dried animal carcasses. They are also known to feed on some plant-based materials like grains and spices.

Behavior Patterns

Adult carpet beetles are often found near windows as they are attracted to light, and they feed on pollen and nectar. The larvae are the destructive stage, shunning light and feeding on organic materials. They undergo complete metamorphosis with eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults. Larvae are slow-moving and tend to roll up when disturbed. Cast skins are often found in infested areas.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Carpet beetle larvae are significant household pests, causing damage to textiles, clothing, carpets, upholstered furniture, and stored food products. They can cause property damage but are not known to spread diseases. Some individuals may experience allergic reactions to the larval hairs or cast skins. Benefits: In nature, they play a role in decomposition by consuming dead organic matter.

Identified on: 10/22/2025