Carpet beetle larva

Indoors, especially closets, carpets, upholstery, and stored natural-fiber items; larvae hide in dark, undisturbed areas.

Larvae feed on wool, feathers, fur, hair, dead insects, and other animal-based materials; adults mainly feed on pollen and nectar.

Larvae are slow-moving, banded, and often bristly, shedding hairs and skins as they grow. Adults are small beetles that may enter homes from outdoors.

Harmless to people, but larvae can damage clothing and furnishings; shed hairs may irritate sensitive skin. Outdoors, adults help pollinate flowers.