Carpet Beetle Larva

Natural Habitat

Found indoors in homes, warehouses, and museums, often in dark, undisturbed areas like under baseboards, in closets, within car upholstery, or under rugs.

Diet & Feeding

Scavengers that feed on organic materials including wool, silk, feathers, fur, pet hair, dead insects, and dried food products (spices, cereal, flour).

Behavior Patterns

Larvae avoid light and prefer dark crevices. They undergo multiple molts, leaving behind 'crawling' shed skins. They move slowly and can survive for long periods without food.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: They are significant household pests that cause damage to clothing, blankets, and carpets. The larval hairs (setae) can cause 'carpet beetle dermatitis,' an allergic reaction resulting in itchy, red welts on human skin. They offer no notable benefits in a household setting.

Identified on: 3/12/2026