Carpet Beetle

Natural Habitat

Found indoors in homes, warehouses, and museums, often in carpets, upholstery, or near baseboards; outdoors they are often found on flowering plants.

Diet & Feeding

Adults feed on pollen and nectar. Larvae feed on organic fibers such as wool, silk, fur, feathers, hair, and dried food products.

Behavior Patterns

Adults are attracted to light and often found near windows. They go through a complete metamorphosis (egg, larva, pupa, adult), with the larval stage being the most destructive to household items.

Risks & Benefits

They do not bite or spread disease, but their larvae can cause significant damage to household fabrics and stored goods. Some people may experience 'carpet beetle dermatitis,' an allergic reaction to the tiny hairs on the larvae.

Identified on: 4/16/2026