Carpet Beetle larvae

Natural Habitat

Indoors, especially in undisturbed areas where organic fibers or stored products are present. Common in homes, museums, and warehouses.

Diet & Feeding

Natural fibers (wool, silk, leather, fur), pet hair, dead insects, stored food products (grains, cereals), and other dried organic materials.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae are the destructive stage, typically found in dark, undisturbed areas. They are slow-moving and tend to curl up when disturbed. Adults are winged and often found near windows as they are attracted to light, and feed on pollen and nectar outdoors.

Risks & Benefits

Potential risks include significant damage to textiles, carpets, clothing, museum specimens, and stored dry goods. They can also cause allergic reactions or skin irritation in some sensitive individuals due to their barbed hairs. Generally, there are no notable benefits in an indoor environment, although outdoors, the adults are minor pollinators.

Identified on: 9/7/2025