Carpet Beetle Larva

Indoor environments such as homes, warehouses, and museums. They are typically found in dark, undisturbed areas like under carpets, behind baseboards, in closets, and within air ducts.

Larvae feed on dry organic materials of animal origin, including wool, silk, fur, feathers, leather, hair, and dried pet food. Adults feed on pollen and nectar.

Larvae are slow-moving and avoid light (photophobic). They undergo multiple molts, leaving behind translucent brown shed skins. The life cycle from egg to adult can take anywhere from several months to a year depending on temperature and food availability.

While they do not bite or spread disease, they are significant household pests that can cause extensive damage to clothing, upholstery, and carpets. The bristly hairs (setae) on the larvae can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions (carpet beetle dermatitis) in some individuals.