Carpet Beetle Larva

Natural Habitat

Indoors in homes and commercial buildings, often found in carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture, clothing, museums, and areas with stored food products. Outdoors, they can be found in nests of birds or insects and animal carcasses.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae feed on a wide variety of organic materials including wool, silk, fur, feathers, leather, animal carcasses, dried pet food, and sometimes synthetic fibers if mixed with natural ones. They are scavengers.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae are slow-moving and often hide in dark, undisturbed areas. They are known for their hairy, bristly bodies. They undergo complete metamorphosis. The larval stage is the damaging stage, as adults primarily feed on pollen and nectar and are not considered pests indoors. They prefer dirty conditions, especially areas with lint, hair, and food crumbs.

Risks & Benefits

Potential risks include damage to natural fiber textiles (carpets, clothing, upholstery), museum specimens, and stored dry goods. Some people may experience allergic reactions or skin irritation from the bristles of the larvae. They are generally not harmful to humans directly (do not bite or sting). As scavengers, they have a beneficial role in breaking down organic matter in natural ecosystems.

Identified on: 11/20/2025