Varied Carpet Beetle

Indoors within homes, carpets, upholstered furniture, closets, attics, and bird nests outdoors

Larvae feed on natural animal fibers like wool, silk, feathers, fur, leather, and dead insects; adults feed on pollen and nectar

Adults are attracted to light and can fly indoors; larvae avoid light, living concealed in dark spaces while slowly damaging organic textiles over several months

Risks: Larvae are household pests that cause damage to clothing, carpets, and natural fabrics; contact with larval hairs can cause carpet beetle dermatitis (skin irritation). Benefits: Adults act as minor pollinators outdoors.