Carpet Beetle (larva)

Natural Habitat

Indoors, larvae are found in homes, museums, and warehouses, particularly in areas with natural fibers like carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture, clothing, and stored food products. Outdoors, adults are found near flowers.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae primarily feed on animal-based products containing keratin, such as wool, silk, fur, feathers, and leather. They also consume pet hair, lint, and dried animal remains. Adult carpet beetles feed on pollen and nectar.

Behavior Patterns

Carpet beetle larvae prefer dark, undisturbed areas. They are often found in closets, drawers, under furniture, and along baseboards. They may play dead when disturbed.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Carpet beetle larvae can cause damage to natural fiber textiles, clothing, carpets, and museum specimens, leading to economic losses. Their shed skins and fecal pellets can also trigger allergic reactions and skin irritation in sensitive individuals. Benefits: They play a role in decomposition in natural environments by consuming dead organic matter, though this is overshadowed by their pest status indoors.

Identified on: 8/12/2025