Carpet Beetle

Natural Habitat

Indoors in homes, museums, and warehouses; outdoors in bird nests, bee nests, and on flowering plants.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae eat natural fibers (wool, silk, fur), dried pet food, and dead insects; adults feed on pollen and nectar.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae are scavengers and spend their time in dark, undisturbed areas. Adults are attracted to light and are often found near windows during spring.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Household pest that damages textiles and may cause allergic skin reactions (dermatitis) in humans due to larval hairs. Benefits: In nature, they help decompose organic animal matter.

Identified on: 4/16/2026