Varied Carpet Beetle

Natural Habitat

Indoors within homes, apartments, and museums; outdoors in bird nests, bee nests, or on flowering plants.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae feed on natural fibers, keratin, and chitin including wool, silk, feathers, fur, dead insects, and dried pet food. Adults feed on pollen and nectar.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae prefer dark, undisturbed areas like under baseboards or in closets. Adults are attracted to light and are often found on windowsills attempting to move outdoors.

Risks & Benefits

A significant household pest that can damage carpets, clothing, and upholstery. The larval hairs can cause 'carpet beetle dermatitis' (allergic skin reactions) in some people. In nature, they help decompose animal remains.

Identified on: 3/25/2026