Varied Carpet Beetle

Indoors within homes, museums, and warehouses; outdoors in gardens on pollen-producing flowers.

Larvae eat natural fibers (wool, silk, feathers), hair, and dried organic matter. Adults feed on pollen and nectar.

They undergo complete metamorphosis. Adults are attracted to light and are often seen near windows in the spring. Larvae are scavengers and tend to avoid light.

Risks include damage to household textiles, carpets, and upholstery. Larvae hairs can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some people. They have no significant benefits to humans.