Carpet Beetle

Indoors: carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture, clothing, stored foods. Outdoors: nests of birds, rodents, insects; flowers where they feed on pollen and nectar.

Larvae feed on natural fibers (wool, silk, fur, feathers), dried animal products (dead insects, taxidermy, pet food), and sometimes stored grains. Adults feed on pollen and nectar.

Larvae are the destructive stage, preferring dark, undisturbed areas. They molt several times, leaving behind shed skins. Adults are attracted to light and often found near windows; they fly and are active during the day. Reproduction involves eggs laid on suitable food sources.

Potential risks include damage to textiles, possessions, and food items. Some people may also experience allergic reactions to larval hairs. Benefits include their role as scavengers, breaking down organic matter in natural environments.