Carpet Beetle

Natural Habitat

Commonly found indoors in carpets, upholstery, and stored clothing, as well as outdoors in bird nests or on flowers.

Diet & Feeding

Adults feed on pollen and nectar. Larvae feed on organic materials including wool, fur, feathers, silk, animal hair, and dead insects.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae are scavengers that prefer dark, secluded areas. Adults are attracted to light and are often seen near windows during the spring.

Risks & Benefits

They are a significant pest of household textiles and stored goods. While they do not bite humans, larval hairs can cause allergic skin reactions (dermatitis) in sensitive individuals.

Identified on: 3/12/2026