Carpet Beetle Facts and Information

Carpet beetles are common household pests in Southern California homes, known for their ability to damage natural fibers and textiles. While adult beetles feed on pollen and are often found near windows, it's their larvae that cause the most damage, feeding on materials containing keratin and other animal proteins.

These persistent pests can infest homes year-round, with peak breeding activity in spring. The adults can fly and enter homes through open windows or doors, laying eggs near potential food sources. Their larvae can spend several months feeding on carpets, wool, silk, leather, and other natural materials, making them particularly problematic in closets and storage areas. Their small size and ability to thrive in undisturbed areas often allows infestations to go unnoticed until significant damage has occurred. The varied patterns of white, brown, and yellow on adult beetles, combined with their oval shape, make them distinctive when spotted.