Carpet Beetle

Natural Habitat

Indoors, they inhabit carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture, clothing, attics, and areas with lint and dust. Outdoors, adults are found on flowers.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae feed on natural fibers like wool, silk, animal hair, feathers, and dried animal products (e.g., dead insects, pet food). Adults feed on pollen and nectar outdoors.

Behavior Patterns

Carpet beetle larvae primarily live and feed in dark, undisturbed areas. Adults are attracted to light and often found near windows. They are known for their ability to digest keratin and chitin, found in natural fibers.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Can cause significant damage to household items made of natural fibers, including clothing, carpets, and museum specimens. They are not known to bite humans, but some people might experience skin irritation due to bristles from the larvae. Benefits: Play a role in decomposition in nature by consuming organic matter.

Identified on: 8/13/2025