Carpet Beetle

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

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

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: 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.