Carpet Beetle

Natural Habitat

Indoors, commonly found in homes, museums, and storage areas. They prefer dark, undisturbed places like carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture, closets, attics, and around baseboards, feeding on natural fibers and animal products.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae feed on a wide variety of animal-based products and natural fibers including wool, silk, fur, feathers, leather, pet hair, dead insects, museum specimens, and stored foods. Adult beetles feed on flower pollen and nectar outdoors.

Behavior Patterns

Carpet beetles undergo complete metamorphosis (egg, larva, pupa, adult). The larval stage is the most destructive, as they are responsible for feeding on materials. They are often found in dark, undisturbed areas. Adults are attracted to light and may be seen near windows.

Risks & Benefits

Potential risks include significant damage to textiles, clothing, carpets, upholstered furniture, and stored food products, leading to economic loss. They can also cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some sensitive individuals due to contact with their larval hairs. There are no significant benefits associated with carpet beetles in a household setting.

Identified on: 10/7/2025