Varied Carpet Beetle

Indoors in homes, warehouses, and museums; outdoors in bird nests, bee nests, and on flowering plants.

Adults feed on pollen and nectar; larvae feed on natural fibers, dried animal products, wool, silk, feathers, hair, and dead insects.

Larvae are scavengers that move slowly and avoid light. Adults are attracted to light and are often found near windows. They undergo complete metamorphosis.

Risk: Larvae are significant pests that can damage clothing, carpets, and upholstery. Larval hairs can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some people. Benefit: In the wild, they help decompose organic animal matter.