Carpet Beetle (likely Varied Carpet Beetle or Black Carpet Beetle)

Natural Habitat

Indoors, larvae are found in carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture, clothing, stored foods, and museum collections. Outdoors, adults are common on flowering plants.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae feed on a wide variety of animal and plant products, including wool, silk, fur, feathers, leather, pet food, dried plant materials, museum specimens, and even synthetic fibers soiled with food. Adult beetles feed on pollen and nectar, often found outdoors.

Behavior Patterns

Carpet beetles are generally slow-moving. Adults are often found near windows as they are attracted to light. Larvae are typically found in dark, undisturbed areas where their food sources are abundant, such as in cracks and crevices, under furniture, or in closets. They undergo complete metamorphosis.

Risks & Benefits

Potential Risks: Significant household pests that can cause damage to natural fibers, textiles, and stored products. Can also cause allergic reactions (dermatitis) in some sensitive individuals due to irritant hairs on larvae. They do not bite or transmit diseases. Benefits: In nature, they play a role as scavengers, consuming decaying animal and plant matter.

Identified on: 8/10/2025