Carpet beetle

Indoors, especially in areas with organic materials such as carpets, upholstered furniture, clothing, stored food products, and animal products (e.g., wool, fur, feathers). Outdoors, they can be found in bird and rodent nests, or feeding on pollen.

Larvae feed on a variety of organic materials, including wool, silk, fur, feathers, leather, animal carcasses, dried pet food, and sometimes stored grains and cereals. Adults typically feed on pollen and nectar from flowers.

Carpet beetles undergo complete metamorphosis (egg, larva, pupa, adult). The larval stage is the most destructive, as it feeds on organic materials. Adults are often found near windows as they are attracted to light, or outdoors on flowers. They are generally slow-moving. Larvae tend to hide in dark, undisturbed areas.

Risks: Can cause significant damage to textiles (carpets, clothing, upholstery), museum specimens, and stored food products. Some people may develop allergic reactions or skin irritations from contact with their bristles. Benefits: In nature, they play a role as scavengers, breaking down organic matter, but their presence indoors is generally considered a pest issue.