Carpet Beetle

Natural Habitat

Indoors in homes, museums, warehouses; outdoors in nests of birds and insects, and on flowering plants.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae feed on a variety of organic materials including wool, silk, fur, feathers, leather, dried food products, dead insects, and animal carcasses. Adults primarily feed on pollen and nectar.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae are often found in dark, undisturbed areas. They are known for their slow movement and shed skin casings. Adults are attracted to light and are often found near windows during spring and summer. Lifecycle typically ranges from several months to a year.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Can cause significant damage to household items like carpets, clothing, and other natural fibers. They do not bite or spread diseases to humans, but can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals due to larval hairs. Benefits: In natural environments, they play a role in decomposition, feeding on dead animal matter.

Identified on: 9/12/2025