Carpet Beetle (likely Varied Carpet Beetle)

Typically found indoors in homes, museums, and storage areas; outdoors in bird nests, wasp nests, or on flowers.

Larvae feed on natural fibers like wool, silk, fur, feathers, and dead insects. Adults feed on pollen and nectar.

Larvae tend to wander in search of food and prefer dark, secluded places like closets or under furniture. Adults are attracted to light and often found near windowsills.

Risk: The larvae are a significant household pest that damages carpets, clothing, and textiles. The hairs on larvae can cause dermatitis in some humans. Benefit: In nature, they act as decomposers of dead animal matter.