Carpet Beetle (larva)

Indoors in homes and museums, feeding on natural fibers, furs, wool, silk, animal products, and sometimes dried foods. Outdoors in nests of birds and insects.

Keratin-rich materials like wool, silk, leather, fur, feathers, and also dried animal products, stored foods, and pet hair.

The larvae are destructive feeders, often found in dark, undisturbed areas. They molt several times before pupating. Adult carpet beetles are smaller and typically feed on pollen and nectar outdoors.

Potential risks include significant damage to textiles, clothing, carpets, upholstered furniture, and museum specimens. They do not pose direct health risks to humans (e.g., bites or stings), but can cause allergic reactions in some individuals due to shed larval skins and frass. No notable benefits.