Carpet beetle (larva)

Natural Habitat

Indoors, especially in undisturbed areas where organic materials accumulate (carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture, closets, attics, museums, stored food products). Outdoors, they can be found in bird nests, dead animals, and plant matter.

Diet & Feeding

Keratin-rich materials such as wool, silk, leather, feathers, fur, hair, and dead insects. They also consume dried animal products, stored grains, and some plant materials.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae are the damaging stage, feeding on natural fibers and animal products in dark, undisturbed locations. They prefer low light and can be found under furniture, along baseboards, and in stored items. They undergo several molts before pupating. Adults are often found near windows as they are attracted to light, or outdoors feeding on pollen and nectar.

Risks & Benefits

Potential risks include significant damage to textiles, clothing, carpets, historical artifacts, and stored food products. While generally not harmful to humans, some people may experience skin irritation or allergic reactions to their hairs or shed skins. They can also be a nuisance pest. Benefits are minimal in domestic settings, but outdoors, they contribute to decomposition by feeding on dead organic matter.

Identified on: 9/20/2025