Varied Carpet Beetle

Natural Habitat

Often found indoors in homes, museums, and warehouses; outdoors they inhabit bird nests and feed on pollen/nectar on flowers.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae feed on natural fibers (wool, silk, fur, feathers), dead insects, and dried food products; adults feed on pollen and nectar.

Behavior Patterns

Adults are attracted to light and often found near windows; larvae avoid light and hide in dark, undisturbed areas like closets, under furniture, or in attic spaces.

Risks & Benefits

Larvae can cause significant damage to carpets, clothing, upholstery, and museum specimens; the bristly hairs of the larvae can cause allergic skin reactions (carpet beetle dermatitis) in some people.

Identified on: 3/1/2026