Carpet Beetle (larva)

Natural Habitat

Indoors, commonly found in homes, museums, and warehouses. They prefer dark, undisturbed areas such as under carpets, in closets, behind baseboards, and in stored natural fiber items.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae feed on a wide variety of animal and plant products, including wool, silk, feathers, leather, furs, pet hair, dried meat, dried insects, and sometimes stored grains.

Behavior Patterns

Carpet beetle larvae are typically slow-moving and cryptic, avoiding light. They shed their skin multiple times as they grow, and these shed skins (exuviae) are often found along with the larvae. Adults are typically found outdoors feeding on pollen and nectar but will fly indoors to lay eggs.

Risks & Benefits

Potential risks include damage to natural fiber textiles, carpets, clothing, and museum specimens, leading to economic loss. They can also cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some sensitive individuals due to their bristly hairs. They are generally considered pests with no significant benefits in an indoor environment. Outdoors, adults can be minor pollinators.

Identified on: 10/18/2025