Carpet Beetle (Larva) - likely Varied Carpet Beetle

Found indoors in dark, secluded areas like under furniture, in closets, along baseboards, and in stored woolens or carpets. In nature, they live in bird nests and animal dens.

Feed on natural fibers and protein-based materials including wool, silk, fur, feathers, leather, pet hair, dead insects, and dried plant products.

The larvae avoid light and move slowly. They are known as 'woolly bears' due to their hairy appearance. They molt several times before pupating into adult beetles. The damage appears as irregular holes in fabrics.

Risks include significant damage to clothing, carpets, upholstered furniture, and museum specimens. The tiny hairs on the larvae can cause allergic dermatitis or skin irritation in sensitive individuals. They do not bite or sting.