Varied Carpet Beetle

Natural Habitat

Typically found in homes, particularly in carpets, closets, near baseboards, or anywhere natural fibers (wool, silk, fur) are stored. Outdoors, they are found in bird or insect nests.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae feed on natural animal fibers like wool, fur, silk, feathers, dead insects, and leather. Adults feed on pollen and nectar outdoors.

Behavior Patterns

Adults are attracted to light and often found on windowsills. The damaging larvae prefer dark, undisturbed areas. They have a complete metamorphosis life cycle (egg, larva, pupa, adult).

Risks & Benefits

Risk: They are a common household pest that can cause significant damage to clothing, carpets, rhgs, and taxidermy. They do not bite or sting humans, though their larval hairs can sometimes cause allergic skin reactions (dermatitis).

Identified on: 2/23/2026