Black Carpet Beetle

Found indoors in pantry areas, closets, and storage boxes; found outdoors in bird nests, bee hives, and on flowering plants.

Larvae feed on animal products like wool, silk, feathers, hair, and dried plant products; adults feed on pollen and nectar.

Larvae prefer dark, undisturbed areas and can spend years in the larval stage depending on food availability; adults are attracted to light.

Significant risk as a domestic pest that damages clothing, rugs, and stored food; non-poisonous, but larval hairs can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some people.