Carpet Beetle (likely Varied Carpet Beetle or Black Carpet Beetle)

Indoors, they are commonly found in homes, museums, warehouses, and other buildings, particularly in areas with undisturbed textiles or stored animal products. Outdoors, adults can be found on flowering plants.

Larvae primarily feed on animal products and natural fibers such as wool, silk, fur, feathers, and dried protein (e.g., dead insects, pet food, Museum specimens). Adults feed on pollen and nectar.

Carpet beetle larvae typically avoid light and prefer dark, undisturbed areas. They are often found in closets, attics, under furniture, or in cracks and crevices where they can feed on organic materials. Adults are attracted to light and may be found near windows, often feeding on pollen.

Risks: Carpet beetles are significant pests of stored products and textiles. Their larvae can cause considerable damage to carpets, clothing, upholstered furniture, and museum collections. Some people may experience allergic reactions to their shed skins or bristles. Benefits: In natural environments, they play a role in decomposition by feeding on carrion and dried organic matter, though this is overshadowed by their pest status in human dwellings.