Carpet Beetle

Natural Habitat

Indoors, especially in undisturbed areas like closets, attics, and under furniture; outdoors in bird nests, animal carcasses, and dried plant matter.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae feed on natural fibers such as wool, silk, fur, leather, feathers, and stored food products. Adults feed on pollen and nectar.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae are the damaging stage, often found in dark, undisturbed areas. Adults are typically found near windows as they are attracted to light, or outdoors on flowers. They undergo complete metamorphosis.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Can cause damage to textiles, clothing, carpets, and museum specimens. Potential to cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals due to larval hairs. Benefits: In nature, they act as scavengers, breaking down organic matter.

Identified on: 9/6/2025