Carpet Beetle Larva (Varied or Furniture Carpet Beetle)

Found indoors in homes, particularly in carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture, clothing, bedding, or near natural fibers and organic debris.

Feeds on natural animal-based fibers and materials including wool, silk, feathers, fur, hair, dead insects, and pet dander.

Slow-moving, oval-bodied larvae covered in fine hairs (setae). They prefer dark, undisturbed locations like beneath furniture or inside closets to feed during their larval stage.

Risks: Causes structural damage to natural textiles, clothing, carpets, and taxidermy. Hairs can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions (carpet beetle dermatitis) in sensitive individuals. Benefits: Acts as natural scavengers outdoors decomposing animal remains, but generally considered household pests indoors.