Varied Carpet Beetle

Natural Habitat

Typically found indoors in closets, carpets, attics, and storage containers, often near wool, silk, or fur items. In nature, adults consume pollen on flowers.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae (often called 'woolly bears') feed on keratin-rich natural fibers like wool, fur, silk, feathers, dried insects, and pet hair. Adults primarily feed on pollen and nectar.

Behavior Patterns

Adults are attracted to light and often found near windows in spring. They are expert hitchhikers, often brought indoors on cut flowers. The larvae are clear pests that hide in dark, undisturbed locations.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Larvae are household pests that can cause significant damage to clothing, carpets, upholstered furniture, and museum specimens. The larval hairs (bristles) can cause skin irritation or dermatitis in some humans. Benefits: In nature, adults are minor pollinators, and larvae help break down animal carcasses.

Identified on: 2/26/2026