Carpet Beetle (larva)

Indoors, especially in undisturbed areas under carpets, rugs, furniture, in closets, or attics. They feed on natural fibers and animal products.

Larvae feed on a variety of organic materials of animal origin, including wool, silk, feathers, fur, leather, animal carcasses, dried pet food, and sometimes synthetic fibers if mixed with natural ones. They are known to consume carpet, clothing, and upholstered furniture.

Carpet beetle larvae are often found in dark, undisturbed areas. They are slow-moving and tend to curl up when disturbed. They go through several larval instars before pupating. Adult beetles are attracted to light and are often found near windows; they feed on pollen and nectar outdoors.

Risks: Carpet beetle larvae can cause significant damage to household items made of natural fibers, such as carpets, clothing, upholstery, and stored foods. Some individuals may experience skin irritation (dermatitis) from contact with the larval hairs, sometimes mistaken for bed bug bites. Benefits: In nature, they act as scavengers, consuming decaying animal matter. However, their presence indoors is almost exclusively as a pest.