Varied Carpet Beetle

Indoors within carpets, clothing, upholstered furniture, and air ducts; outdoors on flowers and pollen sources.

Adults feed on nectar and pollen. Larvae feed on organic natural fibers, wool, silk, feathers, dead insects, hair, and pet dander.

Adults are attracted to light and often found near windows. Larvae avoid light, moving slowly while grazing on natural protein fibers.

Risks: Larvae can damage natural textiles, clothing, carpets, and taxidermy. Larval hairs can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Benefits: Outdoors, adults act as minor pollinators and clean up organic debris.