Varied Carpet Beetle Larva (often called 'Woolly Bear')

Natural Habitat

Indoors in dark, secluded areas such as closets, under carpets, in air vents, and behind baseboards. Outdoors found in bird nests or bee hives.

Diet & Feeding

Feeds on natural fibers and organic materials including wool, silk, fur, feathers, dead insects, pet dander, and dried plant products.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae prefer dark areas and will move away from light. They molt several times, leaving behind shed skins that look like the larva itself. They are the destructive stage of the insect's life cycle.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Major household pest that damages clothing, carpets, and upholstered furniture. The bristly hairs on the larvae can cause an allergic skin reaction in some people known as 'carpet beetle dermatitis'. Benefits: In nature, they act as decomposers of dead animal matter.

Identified on: 2/25/2026