Carpet Beetle Larva

Natural Habitat

Found indoors in carpets, closets, drawers, and near baseboards; outdoors in bird nests or bees nests. They thrive in dark, undisturbed areas where organic fibers accumulate.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae feed on natural animal fibers such as wool, fur, silk, feathers, felt, leather, and dead insects. They can also feed on dried plant products.

Behavior Patterns

The larvae move slowly and prefer dark, secluded places. They are known as 'woolly bears' due to their bristles. When disturbed, they may roll up or play dead. They are pests of stored products and fabrics.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Major household pest that damages clothing, carpets, and upholstery made of natural fibers. The bristly hairs can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions (dermatitis) in some people. Benefits: In nature, they act as decomposers of dried animal matter.

Identified on: 3/4/2026