Varied Carpet Beetle

Natural Habitat

Typically found indoors in homes, museums, and warehouses; often discovered on carpets, curtains, wool clothing, dried food storage areas, and near windowsills.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae feed on natural fibers (wool, silk, fur, feathers), dried plant products, dead insects, pet dander, and occasionally stored food products; adults feed mostly on pollen and nectar outdoors.

Behavior Patterns

Adults are attracted to light and often fly toward windows; larvae prefer dark, undisturbed areas. They have a complete metamorphosis cycle often lasting usually one year.

Risks & Benefits

Considered a household pest because the larvae damage natural fabrics, museum specimens, and upholstered furniture. The small hairs on the larvae can cause allergic skin reactions (carpet beetle dermatitis) in some people. They do not bite or sting humans.

Identified on: 3/6/2026