Common Carpet Beetle

Natural Habitat

Indoors, they are commonly found in homes, museums, and storage facilities, particularly in closets, attics, under rugs, and in upholstered furniture. Outdoors, adults can be found in gardens and near flowers.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae primarily feed on natural fibers such as wool, silk, feathers, fur, and dead insects. They can also consume stored food products like cereals and dried pet food. Adults feed on nectar and pollen outdoors.

Behavior Patterns

The common carpet beetle undergoes complete metamorphosis. Larvae are typically found in dark, undisturbed areas feeding on organic materials. Adults are often found near windows as they are attracted to light, or outdoors feeding on nectar and pollen. They can be active year-round indoors.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Carpet beetle larvae are significant household pests, causing damage to textiles, clothing, carpets, and museum specimens made of natural fibers. They do not bite humans but can cause allergic reactions in some individuals due to their larval hairs. Benefits: In natural environments, they play a role in decomposition by feeding on dead organic matter.

Identified on: 8/19/2025