Carpet Beetle

Natural Habitat

Indoors, especially in areas with animal products, wool, fur, feathers, and dried food. Outdoors, in nests of birds and insects.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae feed on a variety of animal products including wool, fur, feathers, leather, dead insects, museum specimens, and sometimes dried foods. Adults feed on pollen and nectar.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae are the damaging stage, often found in dark, undisturbed areas. Adults are active flyers and are attracted to light, often found near windows. They undergo complete metamorphosis.

Risks & Benefits

Risks include significant damage to natural fibers, upholstered furniture, carpets, clothing, and museum collections. They do not bite or transmit diseases to humans. They can be beneficial in nature as scavengers, breaking down dead organic matter.

Identified on: 9/13/2025