Black Carpet Beetle

Commonly found indoors in homes, warehouses, and museums; outdoors in bird or rodent nests and on flowers.

Larvae eat animal products such as wool, silk, leather, fur, and hair, as well as dried plant materials like grains; adults feed on pollen and nectar.

Larvae are typical scavengers that avoid light and prefer dark, secluded areas like under baseboards or inside closets. The life cycle can take from six months to three years depending on environmental conditions.

Potential pests that cause significant damage to household fabrics, upholstery, and stored food products; larvae may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.