Carpet Beetle Larva

Natural Habitat

Indoors, commonly found in homes, museums, and warehouses. They prefer dark, undisturbed areas like under carpets, rugs, in closets, drawers, and attics. Outdoors, they can be found in bird nests, animal carcasses, and spider webs.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae feed on a wide range of organic materials, particularly those high in protein, such as natural fibers (wool, silk, leather, fur), feathers, pet hair, dried food products, dead insects, and museum specimens. Adults feed on pollen and nectar.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae are slow-moving and prefer dark, secluded areas. They feed continuously before pupating. They are known for their bristly appearance and may roll up when disturbed. Adults are winged and are attracted to light, often found near windows. The life cycle can take several months to a year depending on conditions.

Risks & Benefits

Potential Risks: As pests, carpet beetle larvae can cause significant damage to household items made of natural fibers, including clothing, carpets, upholstered furniture, and stored foods. They can also damage museum collections. They are not known to bite humans or transmit diseases, but some people may experience skin irritation from their bristly hairs. Potential Benefits: In nature, they play a role as scavengers, breaking down dead organic matter. This benefit is largely overshadowed by their destructive tendencies in human environments.

Identified on: 9/6/2025