Carpet Beetle

Natural Habitat

Indoors, especially in areas with natural fibers like carpets, rugs, furniture, animal products, and stored foods. Outdoors, they can be found in bird nests, animal carcasses, and flowers.

Diet & Feeding

The larvae feed on a variety of organic materials, including wool, silk, fur, leather, feathers, pet hair, dead insects, dry pet food, and sometimes spices and stored grains. Adult beetles feed on pollen and nectar.

Behavior Patterns

Carpet beetles undergo complete metamorphosis (egg, larva, pupa, adult). The larval stage is the most destructive, feeding on natural fibers for several weeks to months. Adults are often found near windows as they are attracted to light, or outdoors on flowers. They are generally slow-moving. Their presence indoors often indicates a larval infestation.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Can cause significant damage to household goods made of natural fibers, including carpets, clothing, furniture, and museum specimens. Some individuals may experience skin irritation or allergic reactions from contact with larval hairs. Benefits: In nature, they play a role in decomposition by feeding on organic matter, such as dead animals and plants.

Identified on: 11/8/2025