Black Carpet Beetle

Natural Habitat

Commonly found indoors in homes, warehouses, and locations with stored fabric or animal products; also found outdoors in nests of birds and rodents.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae feed on keratin-rich substances like wool, silk, feathers, fur, and hair, as well as dried plant materials and cereals; adults feed primarily on flower pollen and nectar.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae are avoidant of light (negatively phototactic) and take 6 months to 3 years to develop. Adults are attracted to light and are often seen on windowsills.

Risks & Benefits

Significant household pest that can damage carpets, upholstery, and clothing; larvae hairs can cause allergic reactions (dermatitis) in sensitive individuals. They serve an ecological role as scavengers of organic debris.

Identified on: 1/8/2026