The larvae do all the damage the adults only eat pollen.
Carpet beetles and yarn.
They do not eat synthetic materials.
Carpet beetle larvae will eat all manner of animal material including wool fur silk felt feathers and leather.
Carpet beetles as their name implies sometimes infest carpets.
Similar to clothes moths the pests also feed on many other items composed of wool fur felt silk feathers skins and leather.
Such materials contain keratin a fibrous animal protein which the larvae are able to digest.
Varied carpet beetle final instar larval cast skin left and adults center and right.
These types of materials carpet beetles routinely feast on include wool felt leather silk fur and feathers.
Black carpet beetle larva left and adult right.
Carpet beetles congregate wherever animal fibers can be consumed.
All of my yarn and fabric is currently being transitioned over from open air storage to plastic.
Where do carpet beetles live.
Carpet beetles are found throughout australia and can handle lower humidity than clothes moths so are also found inland from the coast.
These beetles may also eat synthetic fabrics if they are soiled with food or oils.
Carpet beetles are not a hygiene problem but they can be combatted by stepping up your cleaning.
Adult varied carpet beetle on a flower.