Black Carpet Beetle

Scientific Name: Attagenus unicolor

Order & Family: Order Coleoptera, Family Dermestidae

Size: 2.8 to 5 mm in length

Black Carpet Beetle

Natural Habitat

Found indoors in carpets, closets, and pantries; outdoors in bird or rodent nests and on flowers.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae eat animal products such as wool, silk, leather, and fur, or stored kitchen goods like flour. Adults feed on pollen and nectar.

Behavior Patterns

Infests homes as larvae, hiding in dark, undisturbed areas. Adults are attracted to light and are often seen near windows during spring.

Risks & Benefits

Can cause significant damage to household fabrics and stored food. Larval hairs can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals.

Identified on: 6/8/2026