Varied Carpet Beetle

Indoors: Carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture, closets, attics, museums, and areas where lint, pet hair, or dead insects accumulate. Outdoors: Nests of birds, rodents, and insects, and flowers where adults feed.

Larvae feed on a wide variety of animal products, including wool, silk, fur, feathers, leather, dead insects, pet food, and sometimes cotton blends. Adults feed on pollen and nectar.

Adult carpet beetles are attracted to light and are often found on windowsills. Larvae prefer dark, undisturbed areas. They are typically slow-moving and may roll up or play dead when disturbed. Shed larval skins are often found in infested areas.

Risks: Can cause significant damage to natural fibers (wool, silk, fur, feathers) in clothing, carpets, furniture, and museum specimens. Some people may experience allergic reactions (dermatitis) from contact with larval hairs. Benefits: In nature, they play a role as scavengers, breaking down organic matter.