Carpet Beetle Larva

Natural Habitat

Indoors, carpet beetle larvae are commonly found in homes, museums, and warehouses. They thrive in areas where animal fibers or dried organic materials are present, such as carpets, upholstery, clothing, taxidermy, and food storage areas. Outdoors, adult carpet beetles can be found on flowers, feeding on pollen.

Diet & Feeding

Carpet beetle larvae are scavengers, feeding on a wide variety of animal-derived products. This includes natural fibers such as wool, silk, fur, feathers, and leather, as well as dried animal proteins found in pet food, dead insects, museum specimens, and even stored food products.

Behavior Patterns

Carpet beetle larvae typically avoid light and prefer dark, undisturbed areas. They are often found in closets, attics, under furniture, or in the cracks and crevices of flooring. Their development from egg to adult can take several months to a year, depending on environmental conditions and food availability. The larvae are the damaging stage, as adults primarily feed on pollen and nectar and are generally found outdoors.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Carpet beetle larvae can cause significant damage to household items made of natural fibers, including carpets, clothing, furniture, and museum collections. Some people may experience allergic reactions to the larvae's bristles or shed skins. Benefits: In natural environments, carpet beetles play a role in decomposition, breaking down animal carcasses and other organic matter. However, their presence indoors is largely considered a pest issue.

Identified on: 6/25/2025