Varied Carpet Beetle

Natural Habitat

Often found indoors in homes, museums, and warehouses. In nature, they live in bird nests, wasp nests, or on flowering plants. Inside, they are frequently seen on carpets, woolens, windowsills, and near baseboards.

Diet & Feeding

Adults feed on pollen and nectar. The larvae (often called 'woolly bears') are the damaging stage, feeding on natural fibers containing keratin such as wool, fur, silk, feathers, dead insects, and pet dander.

Behavior Patterns

Adults are attracted to light and often found trying to exit through windows. They lay eggs near food sources. The larvae prefer dark, undisturbed areas like under furniture, in closets, or along carpet edges where lint accumulates.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: The larvae are a significant household pest that can damage carpets, clothing, blankets, and taxidermy. The small hairs on the larvae can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions (carpet beetle dermatitis) in some people. Benefits: In nature, they help break down animal matter.

Identified on: 2/20/2026