Carpet Beetle (likely Varied Carpet Beetle or Black Carpet Beetle)

Natural Habitat

Indoors, especially in areas with natural fibers. They are often found in carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture, closets, attics, and around baseboards where lint and pet hair accumulate. Outdoors, they can be found in nests of birds and insects.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae feed on a wide range of animal-derived products, including wool, silk, leather, feathers, pet hair, dried meat, dead insects, and museum specimens. Adult beetles typically feed on pollen and nectar from outdoor flowers.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae prefer dark, undisturbed areas. They are slow-moving and tend to curl up or play dead when disturbed. Adults are attracted to light and are often found near windows. The life cycle involves egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages, with larvae being the damaging stage. They are known for their destructive feeding habits on household items.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Can cause significant damage to natural fiber textiles, carpets, clothing, and stored goods. Their shed larval skins and feces can cause allergic reactions or skin irritations in some sensitive individuals. Benefits: As scavengers, they can help break down organic matter in nature, but this is outweighed by their pest status indoors.

Identified on: 11/10/2025