Carpet Beetle

Natural Habitat

Indoors in homes, museums, and warehouses; outdoors in bird nests or on flowers where they feed on pollen

Diet & Feeding

Adults feed on pollen and nectar; larvae feed on animal products including wool, fur, feathers, hair, silk, and dried remains

Behavior Patterns

Larvae prefer dark, undisturbed areas such as under floorboards or behind baseboards. Adults are attracted to light and often found near windows in the spring.

Risks & Benefits

Potential household pests that can damage fabrics and natural fibers. Larval hairs can cause allergic skin reactions (dermatitis) in sensitive individuals. They benefit the ecosystem as scavengers of organic remains.

Identified on: 4/14/2026