| Scientific name | Anthrenus verbasci |
|---|---|
| Group | Beetles |
| Size | 2–3.5 mm (up to about 0.14 in) |
| Colors | Black, White, Yellow and Brown |
| Legs | 6 legs |
| Wings | Yes |
| Where found | Bedroom or bed and Indoors, anywhere |
| Most active | Spring and Summer |
| Bites | No |
| Stings | No |
| Risk level | Nuisance |
How to identify it
The varied carpet beetle is a tiny member of the beetles group. Hard wing covers that meet in a straight line down the back. Check for these three features:
- Very small, round beetle with a mottled scale pattern
- Fuzzy, striped larvae with a tuft of hair at the tail
- Found on windowsills in spring and in closets year-round
About this bug
A tiny, round beetle mottled with white, brown and yellow scales. The fuzzy, banded larvae chew holes in wool, silk, feathers, leather and stored animal products.
You'll usually find varied carpet beetles in bedrooms and beds and indoors. They are most active in spring and summer.
Is it dangerous?
Carpet beetles don't bite, but larval hairs can cause itchy skin rashes in some people.
Our rating: Nuisance, meaning it is a nuisance pest but not a health threat to most people.
When you'll see varied carpet beetles
Varied Carpet Beetles are most active in spring and summer. In spring, overwintering adults become active and many species lay their first eggs. Summer heat speeds up development, so populations can grow quickly.
Typical places to check: bedroom or bed and indoors, anywhere.
About beetles
The varied carpet beetle is one of the beetles. Beetles go through complete metamorphosis: egg, larva (grub), pupa and adult. The larval stage often does the most feeding and damage, and it can last from a few weeks to several years depending on the species. Adults protect their flight wings under hard wing covers called elytra, which is why most beetles look armored and meet in a neat line down the back.
Look closely at larvae as well as adults. Grubs in soil, fuzzy larvae in closets and small worms in flour are all beetle larvae, and finding them tells you where the problem is centered.
What to do about it
- Vacuum carpets, closets, baseboards and under furniture often
- Wash or dry-clean stored wool and keep it in sealed containers
- Remove old bird and wasp nests and dead insects that feed larvae
Read the full guide: how to get rid of varied carpet beetles.
Bugs that look similar
Group: Varied Carpet Beetle belongs to beetles, while bed bug belongs to true bugs. Hard wing covers that meet in a straight line down the back.
Color: Varied Carpet Beetles are black, white, yellow and brown; drugstore beetles are brown and red.
Size: Larder Beetles are larger, reaching 9 mm, while varied carpet beetles top out around 3.5 mm.
Group: Varied Carpet Beetle belongs to beetles, while webbing clothes moth belongs to moths & butterflies. Hard wing covers that meet in a straight line down the back.
Frequently asked questions
What does a varied carpet beetle look like?
Very small, round beetle with a mottled scale pattern. Adults measure 2–3.5 mm (up to about 0.14 in).
Does the varied carpet beetle bite or sting?
It does not bite. It does not sting. Carpet beetles don't bite, but larval hairs can cause itchy skin rashes in some people.
Where do varied carpet beetles live?
Varied Carpet Beetles live in bedrooms and beds and indoors.
When are varied carpet beetles most active?
Mostly in spring and summer.