Black Carpet Beetle

Natural Habitat

Commonly found indoors within homes, warehouses, and museums. Larvae prefer dark, undisturbed locations such as closets, under carpets, in air ducts, and in stored food items.

Diet & Feeding

The larvae feed on materials of animal origin like wool, silk, leather, fur, feathers, and pet hair. They may also infest stored products like cereals, spices, and pet food. Adults typically feed on pollen and nectar outdoors.

Behavior Patterns

Adults are capable fliers and are often attracted to light, frequently found on windowsills in spring and summer. They lay eggs near a food source. The larvae are the destructive stage, avoiding light and moving slowly. The life cycle from egg to adult can take from several months to a year.

Risks & Benefits

Risks include damage to natural fiber textiles such as clothing, carpets, and upholstery. They can also contaminate stored food. Hairs from the larvae may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals. They are considered a common household pest. There are no significant benefits in a domestic setting, though in nature they function as scavengers.

Identified on: 11/7/2025