Carpet Beetles

Carpet beetles are small, oval-shaped insects, typically 2–4 mm long, with a mottled pattern of white, brown, and black on their backs. While the adult beetles feed mainly on pollen and nectar outdoors, it is their larvae — often called “woolly bears” — that cause damage indoors. These larvae feed on natural fibres such as wool, silk, leather, fur, and feathers, making them a serious pest in homes, museums, and storage facilities.

Carpet beetle larvae can damage carpets, rugs, upholstery, clothing, and other fabric-based items, often leaving irregular holes, shed skins, and small droppings. They prefer dark, undisturbed areas like under furniture, along skirting boards, in wardrobes, and inside air ducts.

Signs of an infestation include spotting the adult beetles near windows or lights, finding larvae or shed skins in fabric items, and discovering damaged textiles. Infestations can spread quickly if left untreated, as females can lay dozens of eggs in hidden areas. Professional cleaning and targeted treatments are often required to break the life cycle and protect fabrics from further damage.