Black Carpet Beetle: Identification, Damage & Behavior
Key Points
Black carpet beetles are one of the most destructive carpet beetle species
Larvae cause damage to fabrics, carpets, and stored materials
Adults are often mistaken for other small black beetles
Infestations usually go unnoticed until fabric damage appears
What Is a Black Carpet Beetle?
The black carpet beetle (Attagenus unicolor) is a common household pest known for damaging fabrics and natural fiber materials. While adult beetles are small and relatively harmless, their larvae are highly destructive and can cause extensive damage if left untreated.
Black carpet beetles are considered one of the most damaging carpet beetle species because their larvae feed aggressively and for longer periods compared to other types.
For a broader overview of carpet beetles and how this species fits into the bigger picture, see the Ultimate Carpet Beetle Guide
How to Identify a Black Carpet Beetle
Adult Black Carpet Beetles
Adult black carpet beetles are:
Solid dark brown to black in color
Oval-shaped
About 1/8 inch long
Smooth-bodied (no patterns or scales)
They are commonly found:
Near windows
On walls
Around light sources
Because of their appearance, adults are often mistaken for other small black beetles. However, seeing adults indoors often indicates an active larval population elsewhere in the home.
Black Carpet Beetle Larvae
The larvae are the damaging stage and are easier to identify than adults.
Larvae are:
Elongated and carrot-shaped
Covered in short bristle-like hairs
Brown to dark brown
Slow-moving
They typically hide in:
Closets
Under furniture
Along baseboards
Inside air vents
Storage boxes
If you’re unsure whether you’re seeing larvae or another pest, compare them in What Do Carpet Beetle Larvae Look Like?
What Do Black Carpet Beetles Eat?
Black carpet beetle larvae feed on natural fibers, including:
Wool
Fur
Feathers
Silk
Leather
Felt
Carpet fibers
Pet hair and lint
They may also infest:
Stored pantry items
Animal-based products
Dry pet food
This feeding behavior is what leads to damage in carpets, clothing, and upholstered furniture.
Damage Caused by Black Carpet Beetles
Damage from black carpet beetles often appears as:
Irregular holes in clothing
Thinning or bare patches in carpets
Frayed upholstery edges
Damage to stored blankets or linens
Unlike moth damage, carpet beetle damage tends to be uneven and scattered rather than uniform.
For visual examples, see What Does Carpet Beetle Damage Look Like?
Where Black Carpet Beetles Are Commonly Found
Inside homes, black carpet beetle larvae are often found in:
Closets and wardrobes
Bedrooms
Living rooms
Storage areas
Attics
HVAC systems
They prefer dark, undisturbed areas where natural fibers are present.
In warmer climates like Florida, larvae may remain active year-round due to favorable temperatures and humidity.
Are Black Carpet Beetles Dangerous?
Black carpet beetles are not dangerous in the traditional sense:
They do not bite
They do not sting
They do not transmit disease
However, larvae can cause:
Fabric damage
Contamination of stored items
Skin irritation in sensitive individuals
Some people experience itching or rashes caused by contact with larval hairs. This reaction is often mistaken for insect bites. Learn more in Are Carpet Beetles Dangerous?
How Black Carpet Beetles Get Inside
Black carpet beetles typically enter homes when:
Adults fly in through windows or doors
Larvae hitchhike on secondhand furniture or clothing
Infested items are brought in from storage
Bird or rodent nests near the home attract adults
Once inside, larvae seek out fabric-rich areas to feed and develop.
A deeper explanation is available in [How Do Carpet Beetles Get Into Your House?] (link: /how-carpet-beetles-get-in).
Signs of a Black Carpet Beetle Infestation
Common warning signs include:
Holes in clothing or blankets
Shed larval skins
Larvae found in corners or closets
Adult beetles near windows
Ongoing fabric damage despite cleaning
If you’re unsure whether damage is related to this species, review What Are the Signs of a Carpet Beetle Infestation?
Black Carpet Beetle vs Other Carpet Beetle Species
Compared to other carpet beetles:
Black carpet beetle larvae feed longer
Damage is often more severe
Infestations are harder to detect early
For comparison with other species, see:
Varied Carpet Beetle
Furniture Carpet Beetle
When to Take Action
You should take action if:
You find larvae in multiple rooms
Fabric damage continues over time
You discover larvae in vents or attics
Cleaning does not reduce activity
If removal is needed, see How Do You Get Rid of Carpet Beetle Larvae?
FAQ
Yes. They are one of the most widespread carpet beetle species in homes.
Yes. Cleanliness does not prevent infestations if natural fibers are present.
No. Any skin irritation comes from larval hairs, not bites.