Varied Carpet Beetle

Natural Habitat

Typically found indoors in homes, museums, and storage areas, often near carpet edges, under furniture, or on windowsills. Outdoors, they inhabit bird nests and feed on pollen.

Diet & Feeding

Adults feed on pollen and nectar; larvae feed on natural fibers like wool, fur, silk, feathers, dead insects, and dried leather.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae (woolly bears) are reclusive and feed in dark areas. Adults are attracted to light and often fly toward windows. They undergo complete metamorphosis (egg, larva, pupa, adult).

Risks & Benefits

Generally harmless to humans (they do not bite or sting), but the larvae are a common household pest that can damage carpets, clothing, and upholstered furniture. The bristly hairs of larvae can cause skin irritation (dermatitis) in sensitive individuals.

Identified on: 3/5/2026