Carpet Beetle

Scientific Name: Anthrenus verbasci (varied species)

Order & Family: Order: Coleoptera, Family: Dermestidae

Size: 2mm to 4mm in length

Carpet Beetle

Natural Habitat

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

Diet & Feeding

Larvae feed on natural fibers such as wool, silk, feathers, hair, and dried food; adults feed on pollen and nectar.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae prefer dark, undisturbed areas like under baseboards or in closets. Adults are attracted to light and often found near windows.

Risks & Benefits

Potential pest that damages textiles, carpets, and clothing; larval hairs can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in humans.

Identified on: 5/22/2026