Key Points
Carpet beetle larvae are small, elongated, and covered in tiny hairs
They are often mistaken for worms, caterpillars, or other insects
Larvae cause nearly all carpet beetle damage
They hide in dark, undisturbed areas like closets and under furniture
Correct identification is critical before attempting treatment
What Are Carpet Beetle Larvae?
Carpet beetle larvae are the immature stage of carpet beetles and are responsible for nearly all damage associated with these pests. While adult carpet beetles primarily feed on pollen outdoors, larvae feed on natural fibers inside homes.
If you’re seeing unexplained holes in clothing, damaged carpets, or thinning fabric, larvae—not adults—are almost always the cause. For a complete overview of how larvae fit into the infestation process, see the Ultimate Carpet Beetle Guide
What Do Carpet Beetle Larvae Look Like?
Carpet beetle larvae have a distinctive appearance once you know what to look for.
Common Physical Characteristics
Carpet beetle larvae are typically:
¼ to ⅜ inch long (larger than adults)
Elongated or carrot-shaped
Brown, tan, or dark brown
Covered in fine bristle-like hairs
Segmented
Slow-moving
The tiny hairs covering their bodies are often what cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Carpet Beetle Larvae Color Variations
Larvae color can vary depending on:
Species
Age
Diet
Common colors include:
Light brown
Golden tan
Dark brown
Color alone should not be used for identification—shape and hair coverage are more reliable indicators.
Where Are Carpet Beetle Larvae Commonly Found?
Larvae prefer dark, undisturbed areas where natural fibers are present.
Common hiding spots include:
Closets and wardrobes
Under beds and furniture
Along baseboards
Inside air vents and ductwork
Storage boxes
Attics
Under rugs and carpets
If larvae are visible in open areas, it often indicates a larger hidden population nearby. More on early detection is covered in [What Are the Signs of a Carpet Beetle Infestation?] (link: /signs-of-carpet-beetles).
Carpet Beetle Larvae vs Other Bugs (Common Misidentifications)
Larvae vs Clothes Moth Larvae
Carpet beetle larvae are hairy
Clothes moth larvae are smooth and pale
Moth damage is often more uniform
Larvae vs Maggots
Maggots lack hairs
Maggots are usually found near food waste
Carpet beetle larvae are found near fabrics
Larvae vs Caterpillars
Caterpillars are larger and move faster
Carpet beetle larvae are slow and avoid light
Understanding these differences helps avoid treating the wrong pest.
Do Carpet Beetle Larvae Bite?
No. Carpet beetle larvae do not bite.
However, their tiny hairs can cause:
Skin irritation
Redness
Itching
Rash-like reactions
This reaction is often mistaken for insect bites. Learn more in Are Carpet Beetles Dangerous?
What Damage Do Carpet Beetle Larvae Cause?
Larvae feed on keratin and other proteins found in natural materials.
They commonly damage:
Wool clothing
Silk garments
Rugs and carpets
Upholstered furniture
Blankets and linens
Felt and leather
Pet hair buildup
Damage often appears as irregular holes or thinning fabric, rather than clean cuts. For visual examples, see What Does Carpet Beetle Damage Look Like?
Why Carpet Beetle Larvae Are Hard to Detect
Carpet beetle larvae:
Avoid light
Hide deep in fabrics
Move slowly
Feed gradually over time
This allows infestations to grow unnoticed until damage becomes obvious.
In warm climates like Florida, larvae may remain active year-round, increasing the likelihood of prolonged damage.
What to Do If You Find Carpet Beetle Larvae
Next steps typically include:
Identifying the source
Locating hidden larvae
Cleaning affected areas
Treating infested zones
Detailed removal steps are covered in How Do You Get Rid of Carpet Beetle Larvae?
FAQ
Yes. They are frequently found in homes, especially where natural fibers are present.
Yes. Cleanliness does not prevent larvae if food sources exist.
Yes. Larvae pupate and eventually emerge as adult carpet beetles.
Yes. They are small but visible, especially when moving.