Carpet Beetle

Natural Habitat

Indoors, they are commonly found in homes, museums, and warehouses where they infest carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture, clothing, furs, and stored food products containing animal protein. Outdoors, adults are found on flowers.

Diet & Feeding

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

Behavior Patterns

Carpet beetle larvae prefer dark, undisturbed areas and are often found in closets, under furniture, or along baseboards. Adults are attracted to light and are often found near windows. They undergo complete metamorphosis with egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages. Larvae are the damaging stage, while adults feed on pollen and nectar outdoors.

Risks & Benefits

Potential risks include damage to personal property (clothing, carpets), museum specimens, and stored foods. They do not bite or sting humans, but some people may experience mild skin irritation from contact with larval hairs. Benefit: In nature, they play a role in decomposition.

Identified on: 8/27/2025