Varied Carpet Beetle

Commonly found indoors in homes, warehouses, and museums; outdoors in bird or rodent nests and on flowering plants.

Adults feed on pollen and nectar; larvae feed on natural fibers, animal products, hair, fur, silks, wool, and dead insects.

Adults are attracted to light and often found near windows; larvae are light-avoiding and scavenge through fabrics; life cycle typically takes one year.

A major household pest that can damage carpets, clothing, and upholstery; larvae hairs may cause allergic reactions or skin irritation in some individuals.