Carpet Beetle

Natural Habitat

Indoors, especially in areas with animal products, fabric, or dust accumulation, such as carpets, rugs, furniture, closets, and museum collections. They prefer dark, undisturbed areas.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae feed on a wide variety of animal products, including wool, silk, fur, feathers, leather, dried meat, dead insects, and pet dander. They can also feed on plant-based materials like grains and spices if animal products are not available. Adult carpet beetles feed on pollen and nectar outdoors.

Behavior Patterns

The larval stage is the destructive stage, causing damage to textiles and other materials. Larvae are slow-moving, covered in bristles, and tend to avoid light. Adults are attracted to light and often found near windows. They undergo complete metamorphosis (egg, larva, pupa, adult).

Risks & Benefits

Potential risks include significant damage to household goods like carpets, clothing, and upholstery, as well as museum specimens. They do not bite humans but can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals due to their larval bristles. No significant benefits to humans, though they play a minor role as scavengers in nature.

Identified on: 9/15/2025