Carpet Beetle Larva

Natural Habitat

Commonly found indoors in carpets, upholstery, closets, air ducts, and near baseboards; also found outdoors in bird nests or on flowers.

Diet & Feeding

Scavengers that feed on organic materials including wool, silk, feathers, fur, pet hair, dead insects, and dried food products.

Behavior Patterns

The larval stage is the destructive phase of the life cycle. They prefer dark, secluded areas and can live for several hundred days before pupating into adult beetles.

Risks & Benefits

Potential risk as a significant indoor pest that can damage household fabrics and textiles. Some people experience skin irritation or 'carpet beetle dermatitis' from contact with the larva's bristly hairs.

Identified on: 3/12/2026