Carpet Beetle Larva

Commonly found indoors in dark, undisturbed areas like closets, under furniture, in carpets, and near natural fibers; outdoors they inhabit bird nests and flowers.

Larvae feed on natural animal fibers such as wool, fur, silk, feathers, dead insects, leather, and pet hair; adults feed on flower pollen and nectar.

Larvae are photophobic (avoid light) and seek out dark crevices to feed; adults are attracted to light and are often found near windows in spring.

They are a household pest that can damage clothing, carpets, and upholstery made from natural fibers; the bristly hairs on the larvae can cause an allergic skin reaction (carpet beetle dermatitis) in some people.