Carpet Beetle Larva

Found indoors in homes, warehouses, and museums, specifically under carpets, in baseboards, closets, and upholstered furniture.

Scavengers that feed on natural fibers and animal products including wool, silk, feathers, fur, hair, dead insects, and dried pet food.

Larvae are avoidant of light and prefer dark, undisturbed areas. They undergo a long larval stage (up to 3 years depending on food and temperature) before pupating into adult beetles.

Risks include significant damage to household textiles and personal belongings. Their bristly hairs can cause 'carpet beetle dermatitis,' an allergic reaction resulting in itchy, red bumps on human skin. They are considered pests and offer no significant ecosystem benefits inside human dwellings.