Varied Carpet Beetle (Larva)

Indoor environments such as homes, warehouses, and museums; outdoors in bird or rodent nests.

Scavengers that feed on natural animal fibers including wool, silk, fur, feathers, and dead insects.

Larvae are avoidant of light and prefer dark, secluded areas like under baseboards or in closets. They undergo a long larval stage lasting several months to a year.

Major household pest that can damage carpets, clothing, and upholstery. Larval hairs can cause allergic reactions (dermatitis) in sensitive individuals. They provide a benefit in nature by recycling organic matter.