Key Points
Carpet beetle infestations usually start quietly
Larvae cause damage long before adults are noticed
Early signs are often found in hidden areas
Fabric damage is the most common warning sign
Identifying signs early prevents widespread damage
Why Carpet Beetle Infestations Are Hard to Detect
Carpet beetle infestations often develop unnoticed because larvae avoid light and feed in undisturbed areas. Adults may be seen occasionally, but most damage happens out of sight.
Understanding early signs is critical. For a full overview of how infestations develop, see the Ultimate Carpet Beetle Guide
Sign #1: Damage to Clothing and Fabrics
One of the earliest and most common signs is unexplained damage to fabrics.
Typical damage includes:
Small, irregular holes
Thinning or weakened fabric
Frayed fibers
Damage concentrated in seams or folds
Natural fibers such as wool, silk, cashmere, and felt are most affected.
If you’re unsure whether damage is from carpet beetles or another pest, compare examples in What Does Carpet Beetle Damage Look Like?
Sign #2: Shed Larval Skins
As carpet beetle larvae grow, they shed their skins multiple times.
You may find:
Small, brown, shell-like skins
Skins near baseboards
Skins inside closets or drawers
Skins under furniture
Finding shed skins often indicates larvae are nearby, even if they aren’t immediately visible.
Sign #3: Live Carpet Beetle Larvae
Seeing live larvae is a strong indicator of an active infestation.
Larvae are commonly found:
Under beds
Inside closets
Along baseboards
In storage areas
Beneath rugs or carpets
Larvae are elongated, brown, and covered in tiny hairs. For identification help, see What Do Carpet Beetle Larvae Look Like?
Sign #4: Adult Carpet Beetles Near Windows
Adult carpet beetles are often noticed:
On windowsills
Near light sources
Crawling on walls
While adults don’t cause damage, their presence indoors suggests larvae may already be established elsewhere in the home.
Species commonly found indoors include:
Varied carpet beetles
Furniture carpet beetles
Sign #5: Damage in Hidden or Low-Traffic Areas
Carpet beetle damage often appears in areas that are rarely disturbed, such as:
Under furniture
Along carpet edges
Inside closets
Beneath stored boxes
Inside air vents
Because larvae avoid light, infestations often go unnoticed until damage spreads.
Sign #6: Irritation or Rash (Indirect Sign)
Some people experience skin irritation caused by contact with carpet beetle larval hairs.
Symptoms may include:
Redness
Itching
Small bumps
Rash-like reactions
This irritation is often mistaken for insect bites. More information is available in Are Carpet Beetles Dangerous?
Sign #7: Damage That Continues to Appear
Ongoing damage—even after cleaning or replacing items—can indicate an active infestation.
If damage continues to appear:
Larvae may be hiding nearby
Eggs may still be present
The source of infestation may not be addressed
Learn more about how infestations spread in How Do Carpet Beetles Get Into Your House?
Where to Look for Signs First
If you suspect carpet beetles, start inspecting:
Closets with natural-fiber clothing
Storage bins and boxes
Under beds and furniture
Along baseboards
Attics and air vents
Early inspection helps limit damage.
Do Signs Always Mean an Active Infestation?
In most cases, yes—especially if:
Damage is fresh
Larvae are present
Shed skins are found
Old damage without ongoing signs may indicate a past issue, but continued monitoring is recommended.
What to Do If You Notice Signs of Carpet Beetles
If signs point to an infestation:
Inspect surrounding areas
Identify larvae and eggs
Clean affected zones
Avoid spreading infested items
Step-by-step removal guidance is covered in How Do You Get Rid of Carpet Beetle Larvae?
FAQ
Yes. Early infestations may show larvae or shed skins before damage becomes obvious.
Larvae avoid light but may be active at any time in dark areas.
Often, yes—especially if adults are repeatedly seen indoors.
Yes. Larvae will move as they search for new food sources.