Carpet Beetle Larva

Found indoors in dark, undisturbed areas such as under carpets, in closets, behind furniture, in cracks and crevices, and near pet hair accumulations.

Feeds on natural fibers including wool, fur, silk, feathers, pet hair, dead insects, and lint or dust balls containing organic material.

Larvae prefer dark, secluded places and move slowly. They are known for molting several times, leaving behind shed skins that look like the larva itself. This stage is the most destructive phase of the beetle's life cycle.

Risks: Can cause significant damage to carpets, clothing, upholstery, and museum specimens. Some people may develop contact dermatitis (skin irritation) from the small bristles on the larvae. Benefits: In nature, they act as decomposers of animal remains, but inside homes, they are considered pests.