Varied Carpet Beetle

Indoor environments (carpets, closets, pantries) and outdoor flowers.

Larvae eat natural fibers (wool, silk, fur), feathers, and dried protein materials; adults feed on pollen and nectar.

Larvae are scavengers that prefer dark, undisturbed areas. Adults are attracted to light and often fly toward windows.

Risk: Major pest to household textiles, upholstered furniture, and museum collections. Some people experience skin irritation from larval hairs (beetle dermatitis).