Varied Carpet Beetle

Indoors within carpets, upholstery, closets, and air ducts; outdoors on flowering plants.

Adults feed on pollen and nectar. Larvae feed on natural fibers like wool, silk, feathers, fur, and dead insects.

Adults are attracted to light and often found near windows. They undergo a complete metamorphosis (egg, larva, pupa, adult). Larvae are the ones responsible for damage to household goods.

Risks: Larvae can damage fabrics, clothing, and carpets. Some people may experience allergic reactions (dermatitis) from contact with larval hairs. Benefits: In nature, they act as scavengers, breaking down animal matter.