Carpet Beetle

Natural Habitat

Indoors, especially in areas with natural fibers (carpets, wool, clothing, furs, stored foods) or dried animal/plant matter. Outdoors, they can be found in nests of birds, insects, or rodents.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae feed on a variety of organic materials including wool, silk, feathers, fur, leather, animal carcasses, dried pet food, and sometimes pantry items like grains. Adult beetles feed on pollen and nectar.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae are the damaging stage, often found in dark, undisturbed areas. They molt several times. Adults are good fliers and are often attracted to light, sometimes found on windowsills. They have a complete metamorphosis (egg, larva, pupa, adult).

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Can cause significant damage to natural fiber products like carpets, clothing, and upholstered furniture. They can also contaminate stored food products. Some people may experience allergic reactions (dermatitis) from contact with larval hairs. Benefits: In nature, they play a role in decomposition by consuming dried animal remains.

Identified on: 9/23/2025