Carpet Beetle Larva

Natural Habitat

Commonly found indoors in homes, specifically near carpets, baseboards, upholstered furniture, and stored clothing.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae feed on natural animal fibers like wool, silk, fur, feathers, and leather, as well as dried food products and dead insects.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae prefer dark, undisturbed areas and undergo several molts during a development period that can last from months to over a year. They are scavengers and often move slowly vertically or horizontally across surfaces.

Risks & Benefits

They are a household pest that can cause damage to carpets and clothing. While they do not bite, their hairlike bristles can cause an allergic reaction or 'carpet beetle dermatitis' in some people, resulting in itchy red bumps.

Identified on: 6/26/2026