Carpet Beetles
Dermestidae (mainly Anthrenus verbasci, Anthrenus flavipes, Attagenus unicolor) · Bed Bugs, Fleas & Lookalikes
Carpet beetles are tiny round beetles whose fuzzy larvae chew wool, fur, feathers, silk and other animal-based materials in closets, rugs and stored items. Adults feed on flower pollen and often fly in through windows or ride in on cut flowers. They do not bite, but the bristly larval hairs can cause an itchy rash in some sensitized people that is easily mistaken for bed bug bites.
Look for: Adults are rounded, ladybug-shaped beetles smaller than a grain of rice, often mottled white, brown and yellow, usually found on windowsills; larvae are small, hairy, striped 'fuzzy worms'.
Quick facts
| Size | 2-5 mm |
|---|---|
| Legs | 6 |
| Usual colors | black, brown |
| Where in the home | Bedroom, Living Room |
| Active | All year |
| Peak | Apr, May, Jun |
| U.S. range | Common household pests across the U.S.; adults also live outdoors on pollen-rich flowers. |
| Bites or stings people | No |
Seasons are typical across much of the U.S. and vary by region.
Peak season Active Typical across much of the U.S.; varies by region.
Often confused with
Sources
Not sure this is your bug? Try the Bug Identifier or ask your local Cooperative Extension office.