Carpet Beetle Larva

Commonly found indoors in carpets, upholstery, closets, and air ducts; outdoors in bird or rodent nests.

Scavengers that feed on animal-based materials such as wool, silk, leather, fur, feathers, and pet hair, as well as dried food products.

Larvae prefer dark, undisturbed areas and can remain in the larval stage for months to years. They periodically shed their skins (exuviae), which are often found before the larvae themselves.

Risks include significant damage to natural fabrics and stored household goods. Benefits are minimal, though they act as decomposers in nature by breaking down animal remains. Some people may experience 'carpet beetle dermatitis,' an allergic reaction to the larva's tiny hairs.