Varied Carpet Beetle

Natural Habitat

Indoors in homes or warehouses, outdoors in bird nests or on flowers where adults feed on pollen and nectar.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae scavenge for animal-based materials such as wool, silk, hair, feathers, and dead insects; adults feed on pollen.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae avoid light and are known for their slow movement, while adults are attracted to light and often found near windows during spring months.

Risks & Benefits

Larvae can be a major domestic pest, damaging clothing, upholstery, and carpets; larval hairs can also cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Identified on: 1/13/2026