Varied Carpet Beetle

Indoor environments (carpets, closets, upholstered furniture) and outdoor flowers

Larvae feed on dry animal products (wool, silk, hair, feathers, dead insects); adults feed on pollen and nectar

Go through complete metamorphosis; larvae are active and seek out dark, fibrous food sources while adults are attracted to light and windows

Risk: Major household pest that can damage textiles and natural fibers. Larval hairs can cause allergic skin reactions (carpet beetle dermatitis) in humans.