Varied Carpet Beetle

Natural Habitat

Indoors within homes, museums, and warehouses; outdoors in gardens on flowers during spring.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae feed on dry animal products (wool, silk, fur, feathers, hair) and stored foods; adults feed on pollen and nectar.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae are scavengers that move slowly and avoid light; adults are attracted to light and are often found on windowsills trying to go outside to mate.

Risks & Benefits

Known pest that can cause significant damage to household fabrics, rugs, and preserved biological specimens. Generally harmless to humans, though larval hairs can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals.

Identified on: 3/12/2026