Black Carpet Beetle

Natural Habitat

Commonly found indoors in homes, warehouses, and museums. Larvae are found in dark, undisturbed locations such as under carpets, in closets, behind baseboards, and within upholstered furniture. Adults are often found near windows, as they are attracted to light.

Diet & Feeding

The larvae feed on materials of animal origin, including wool, fur, silk, feathers, leather, and hair. They also consume dried food spills, lint, and dead insects. Adult beetles primarily feed on pollen and nectar from flowers.

Behavior Patterns

The life cycle consists of egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages. The larval stage is the longest and the only destructive phase. Adults are capable fliers and enter homes from outdoors. They lay their eggs on or near a suitable food source for the larvae.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: The primary risk is damage to property. Larvae can cause significant damage to carpets, clothing, upholstery, and other natural fiber materials. The hairy larvae can also cause skin irritation or allergic reactions (dermatitis) in some people. Benefits: In nature, they act as decomposers, breaking down dead animal matter.

Identified on: 11/7/2025