Key Points
Carpet beetles are small fabric-destroying pests that often go unnoticed until damage appears.
Identification requires knowing how adults, larvae, and eggs differ in appearance and behavior.
Most infestations start from natural outdoor sources and develop quietly indoors.
Early detection reduces damage to clothing, carpets, and stored fabrics.
Florida’s warm, humid climate allows carpet beetles to remain active throughout the year.
What Are Carpet Beetles?
Carpet beetles are tiny insects that feed on natural fibers like wool, silk, feathers, fur, and certain stored products. While adult carpet beetles typically feed on pollen outdoors, their larvae are the destructive stage responsible for damaging clothing, carpets, upholstery, insulation, and stored fabrics.
Why Carpet Beetles Are Common in Florida
Florida’s tropical climate supports insect activity year-round, allowing carpet beetles to reproduce continuously. Outdoor vegetation, flowering plants, and warm weather increase the number of adult beetles seeking entry into homes.
Common Species Found in Homes
Homeowners often encounter several species, including:
Varied carpet beetles
Black carpet beetles
Furniture carpet beetles
Common carpet beetles
For a full breakdown, see [What Types of Carpet Beetles Are There?] (link: /types-of-carpet-beetles).
Are Carpet Beetles Harmful?
Carpet beetles do not bite, sting, or spread disease. The adults are harmless and typically remain outdoors or near windows.
Larvae Are the Real Problem
Larvae feed on natural fibers and can cause noticeable damage to:
Clothing
Carpets and rugs
Upholstered furniture
Decorative items (feathers, taxidermy, wool tapestries)
Some individuals may also experience a skin reaction known as “carpet beetle rash,” caused by tiny hairs on the larvae, not bites. Learn more in [Can Carpet Beetles Cause a Rash?] (link: /carpet-beetle-rash).
Do Carpet Beetles Bite?
No — despite online myths, carpet beetles do not bite humans. For more details, review [Do Carpet Beetles Bite Humans?] (link: /do-carpet-beetles-bite).
How to Identify Carpet Beetles (Adults, Larvae, Eggs)
Identifying Adult Carpet Beetles
Adult carpet beetles are small (1/16–1/8 inch), oval-shaped, and often multicolored depending on the species. They are frequently found:
On windowsills
Near light sources
In rooms with flowers or open windows
Adults do not cause fabric damage.
Identifying Carpet Beetle Larvae
Larvae are the damaging stage. They are elongated, covered in bristle-like hairs, and often brown or tan. Larvae hide in dark, undisturbed spaces such as:
Closets
Under furniture
Inside air vents
Along baseboards
In storage boxes
If you need comparison photos and detailed visuals, see [What Do Carpet Beetle Larvae Look Like?] (link: /carpet-beetle-larvae).
Identifying Carpet Beetle Eggs
Eggs are tiny, white, and oval-shaped. They are typically laid:
In closets
Under edges of carpets
Inside air ducts
In stored clothing
Learn more at [What Do Carpet Beetle Eggs Look Like?] (link: /carpet-beetle-eggs).
Types of Carpet Beetles Found in Homes
Different species behave differently, and correct identification helps determine the severity of an infestation.
Varied Carpet Beetle — [Learn more] (link: /varied-carpet-beetle)
Black Carpet Beetle — [Learn more] (link: /black-carpet-beetle)
Furniture Carpet Beetle — [Learn more] (link: /furniture-carpet-beetle)
What Causes Carpet Beetles in Homes?
Carpet beetles enter homes for three primary reasons:
1. Outdoor Origins
Adults originate outdoors and fly toward light, landing near windows and doors.
2. Attractive Food Sources
Larvae feed on:
Wool
Fur
Feathers
Silk
Leather
Natural-fiber carpets
Hair and lint buildup
Learn more in [What Attracts Carpet Beetles to a Home?] (link: /what-attracts-carpet-beetles).
3. Secondhand Fabrics or Furniture
Infestations commonly start when:
A used sofa
A thrifted wool sweater
Old blankets
Stored holiday decorations
…contain eggs or larvae unnoticed.
How Carpet Beetles Get Inside (Entry Points)
Common Entry Ways
Cracks around windows
Gaps in door frames
Dryer or attic vents
Chimneys
Open windows
Through fresh flowers brought indoors
See more details inside [How Do Carpet Beetles Get Into Your House?] (link: /how-carpet-beetles-get-in).
Hitchhiking on Items
Carpet beetles often enter homes by clinging to:
Thrift-store clothing
Stored fabrics
Rugs
Furniture
Boxes from storage units
Carpet Beetle Life Cycle
Carpet beetles undergo complete metamorphosis:
Egg Stage
Females lay 50–100 eggs in fabric-rich environments.
Larval Stage (Destructive Stage)
Larvae feed on natural fibers for months, depending on humidity and diet.
Pupal Stage
Larvae form cocoons in hidden areas.
Adult Stage
Adults emerge, mate, and re-enter the outdoor environment.
To understand how long infestations last, see [How Long Does It Take to Get Rid of Carpet Beetles?] (link: /how-long-to-get-rid-of-carpet-beetles).