Carpet beetle larva

Natural Habitat

Indoors, especially in undisturbed areas like closets, attics, under furniture, and in air ducts. Outdoors, they can be found in bird nests, animal carcasses, and dried plant matter.

Diet & Feeding

They feed on a variety of organic materials, including animal products such as wool, silk, fur, feathers, leather, and dried meat. They also consume plant-based items like cereals, spices, and dried plant collections. They prefer soiled fabrics or those containing food residues.

Behavior Patterns

Carpet beetle larvae are typically covered in bristles or hairs, which can sometimes be barbed. They are slow-moving and tend to avoid light. They undergo complete metamorphosis (egg, larva, pupa, adult). The larval stage is the damaging stage, as adults primarily feed on pollen and nectar and are not destructive to household goods.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: They are significant household pests, causing damage to carpets, clothing, upholstery, and stored foods made from animal products. Their shed skins and bristly hairs can also cause allergic reactions or skin irritation (dermestid dermatitis) in some sensitive individuals. Benefits: In nature, they play a role as scavengers, breaking down organic matter like animal carcasses and detritus.

Identified on: 10/3/2025