Carpet Beetle

Commonly found indoors in carpets, upholstery, stored clothing, and food pantries; outdoors in birds' nests or on flowering plants.

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

Larvae are scavengers and often move from room to room in search of food. Adults are attracted to light and are often found near windows during spring.

Larvae can cause significant damage to household goods and textiles. Some people experience allergic reactions or skin irritation (carpet beetle dermatitis) from contact with larval hairs. They do not bite humans.