Carpet beetle larva

Natural Habitat

Indoors, commonly found in homes, museums, and warehouses, in dark, undisturbed areas lacking regular cleaning, such as beneath furniture, along baseboards, in closets, and in stored items like woolens, furs, and pantry goods.

Diet & Feeding

Keratin-rich materials (e.g., wool, fur, feathers, silk, animal hides, felt), dried animal products, stored food products (e.g., cereals, dried meat, pet food), and sometimes synthetic fibers if soiled with oils or food.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae are typically slow-moving and prefer dark, secluded environments. They shed their skin multiple times as they grow, leaving behind characteristic larval skins. Adults are often attracted to light and may be found near windows, but the damage is done by the larvae.

Risks & Benefits

Potential risks include significant damage to natural fibers in clothing, carpets, upholstery, and museum specimens, leading to economic losses. They can also cause allergic reactions in some individuals due to their hairs. There are no known benefits to humans from carpet beetles, and they are generally considered pests.

Identified on: 9/20/2025