Carpet Beetle (likely Black Carpet Beetle based on appearance)

Natural Habitat

Indoors, especially in undisturbed areas like closets, attics, under furniture, and in air ducts. Outdoors, they can be found in nests of birds, rodents, and insects.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae primarily feed on animal products such as wool, silk, fur, feathers, leather, dried meat, dead insects, and stored food products. Adults typically feed on pollen and nectar outdoors but do not feed on household materials.

Behavior Patterns

Adult carpet beetles are often attracted to light and may be seen near windows. Females lay eggs on suitable food sources. The larval stage is the damaging stage, as they consume various organic materials. Larvae are slow-moving and tend to hide in dark, secluded areas. They undergo several molts before pupating, and the entire life cycle can take several months to a year depending on conditions.

Risks & Benefits

Potential risks include damage to personal property (clothing, carpets, furniture, stored food) and irritation from bristles if they come into contact with skin in some sensitive individuals. They do not bite or transmit diseases. In natural environments, they serve as scavengers, breaking down organic matter.

Identified on: 9/9/2025