Carpet Beetle Larva

Natural Habitat

Found indoors in homes, warehouses, and museums, often in carpets, upholstery, closets, or behind baseboards.

Diet & Feeding

Scavengers that feed on organic materials including wool, silk, fur, feathers, hair, pet dander, and dried food products.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae are slow-moving and prefer dark, undisturbed areas. They molt several times, leaving behind translucent empty skins. The larval stage can last from several months to over a year.

Risks & Benefits

They are significant household pests that can damage fabrics and natural fibers. Their bristly hairs can cause 'carpet beetle dermatitis' (allergic skin reactions or respiratory irritation) in sensitive individuals. They provide an ecosystem benefit outside as decomposers, but are purely pests indoors.

Identified on: 4/19/2026