Carpet Beetle (Larvae)

Indoors throughout homes, specifically in dark, undisturbed areas like under baseboards, in closets, or under furniture. They are also common in birds' nests and animal dens.

Scavengers that feed on organic materials containing keratin, such as wool, fur, silk, feathers, leather, and dead insects. They also feed on keratin-rich debris in dust bunnies.

Larvae are slowly moving, bristly creatures that avoid light. They undergo several molts, leaving behind translucent brown shed skins. The adults are pollen-feeders that eventually fly toward windows to exit the home.

Risk: They are a significant pest of fabrics and natural fibers. Some people suffer from 'carpet beetle dermatitis,' an allergic reaction to the bristly hairs (setae) of the larvae that can cause itchy, red welts on the skin. Benefit: In nature, they help decompose hair and feathers.