Carpet Beetle Larva

Indoors in dark, undisturbed areas like closets, under furniture, along baseboards, and in carpets or stored fabrics. Also found outdoors in animal or insect nests.

Feeds on natural fibers containing keratin, such as wool, silk, fur, feathers, and hair. Also eats dead insects, leather, and stored food products.

The larval stage is the destructive phase. They avoid light and molt several times as they grow, leaving behind bristly, shed skins. Adults are pollen feeders and are attracted to light, often found near windows.

Risks: Considered a household pest, the larvae can cause significant damage to carpets, clothing, upholstery, and other natural fiber items. The larval hairs can cause allergic reactions or dermatitis in some people. Benefits: In nature, they are decomposers that help break down animal remains.