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Black Carpet Beetle

Black carpet beetles are most common in the Northeastern United States. Like other carpet beetle species, they feed on leather, silk, wool, feathers and hair. Black carpet beetles may also consume dried meat, plants and dead insects. This carpet beetle species tends to infest kitchen cabinets and clothing storage areas.

Adult carpet beetles measure between 1/8 to 1/4 inch in length. Their pronota and heads are black and the head is partially concealed from above. Their wings, known as elytra, are reddish-brown.

Female black carpet beetles fly indoors to lay their eggs. In warm environments, these eggs hatch into larvae within six to 12 days; colder environments delay hatching times to between 15 and 20 days. Black carpet beetle larvae are longer than other carpet beetle larvae and are brown and gold in color. A clump of golden hairs is located at the end of their bodies.

Black carpet beetle larvae can survive up to 640 days and adults can live for several months. Adults do not cause damage indoors, although they are considered pests in horticultural settings.

Beetles - General Facts

Life Cycle of Carpet Beetle

Carpet Beetle Eggs

Carpet Beetle Larvae

What Eats Carpet Beetle Larvae

Carpet Beetle Larvae Around the House

Carpet Beetle Larvae in Furniture

Boric Acid and Carpet Beetle

Carpet Beetle Infestation

Carpet Beetle Damage & Problems