Carpet Beetle (Larva)

Natural Habitat

Indoors: carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture, clothing, stored food products, taxidermy. Outdoors: nests of birds and rodents, animal carcasses, flowering plants.

Diet & Feeding

Keratin-based materials (wool, silk, feathers, leather), dried animal products, stored food products (grains, cereals), plant matter.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae are destructive, feeding on natural fibers and stored products. They avoid light and are often found in dark, undisturbed areas. Adults are not destructive and feed on pollen and nectar outdoors.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Can cause significant damage to household items, natural fiber clothing, and stored goods. Potential allergens for sensitive individuals. Benefits: Adults can be minor pollinators. Larvae sometimes used in museums for cleaning skeletons.

Identified on: 11/28/2025