Varied Carpet Beetle

Typically found indoors in homes, museums, and warehouses where natural fibers are stored; outdoors found in bird nests or on flowers.

Larvae feed on natural fibers like wool, silk, fur, feathers, and dead insects; adults feed on pollen and nectar.

Adults are attracted to light and often found on windowsills; larvae prefer dark, undisturbed areas like closets, under furniture, or in attic insulation.

Risk: Larvae can cause significant damage to clothing, carpets, upholstery, and museum specimens. Benefit: In nature, they act as decomposers/scavengers.