Varied Carpet Beetle

Commonly found indoors in homes, museums, and warehouses, particularly in dark, undisturbed areas with access to food sources. Outdoors, adults can be found on flowers, while larvae may be in bird or insect nests.

The larvae are pests and feed on a wide variety of items of animal origin, including wool, fur, silk, feathers, leather, and dried insect collections. Adult beetles feed on flower pollen and nectar.

Adults are active in spring and early summer, are attracted to light, and are often found on windowsills. The larvae, which are responsible for damage, are hairy, avoid light, and live in hidden places like closets, under furniture, or along the edges of carpets. The life cycle can take one to three years to complete.

Risks: The larvae can cause significant damage to household goods like carpets, clothing, and upholstery made from natural fibers. The bristly hairs of the larvae can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some people. Benefits: In nature, they are decomposers, helping to break down dead insects and animal materials. They do not bite or transmit diseases.