Varied Carpet Beetle

Indoors in homes, museums, and warehouses; outdoors in bird nests or on flowering plants.

Larvae eat natural fibers (wool, silk, feathers), dead skin, and dried pet food; adults eat pollen and nectar.

Larvae are scavengers that prefer dark, undisturbed areas like baseboards or carpets. Adults are attracted to light and are often found near windows.

Risks: Larvae can cause significant damage to household fabrics, clothing, and upholstery. Some people experience skin irritation (dermatitis) from contact with larval hairs. Benefits: In nature, they help decompose organic matter like dead insects and animal hair.