Carpet Beetle Larva

Natural Habitat

Commonly found in homes, specifically near baseboards, under furniture, in closets, and within natural fibers like wool, silk, and down.

Diet & Feeding

Scavengers that feed on organic materials including wool, fur, feathers, hair, dead insects, and dried food products.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae prefer dark, undisturbed areas and are the primary destructive stage of the life cycle. They move slowly and go through multiple molts before pupating into adult beetles.

Risks & Benefits

Risks include damage to clothing, carpets, and upholstered furniture. Their bristly hairs can cause 'carpet beetle dermatitis,' an allergic reaction or skin irritation in some humans. They do not bite or spread disease.

Identified on: 4/17/2026