Carpet Beetle Larva

Natural Habitat

Indoors: found in carpets, upholstery, closets, baseboards, and stored fabrics. Outdoors: found in bird or rodent nests.

Diet & Feeding

Scavengers that feed on natural fibers like wool, silk, fur, feathers, and hair, as well as dried food products and dead insects.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae are slow-moving and avoid light (negatively phototactic). They typically remain hidden in dark areas while feeding for months or years before pupating into adult beetles.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Can cause significant damage to household textiles and natural fiber clothing. Some people experience skin irritation or allergic reactions ('carpet beetle dermatitis') from contact with the larva's bristly hairs. Benefits: In the wild, they help decompose organic animal matter.

Identified on: 1/10/2026