Close-up of a small black beetle on a beige grain or seed surface in natural light.

Black Carpet Beetles

Latin Name: Attagenus unicolor

What are black carpet beetles?

Black carpet beetles are common stored product and fabric pests. Adults are small, oval-shaped beetles that grow to about 1/8 to 3/16 of an inch long. They are shiny black to dark brown and covered in short hairs. Their heads bend downward slightly, which can give them a hunchbacked appearance.

The larvae are often more damaging than the adults. Black carpet beetle larvae grow to about 1/4 of an inch long and have a segmented, carrot-shaped body. They are covered in stiff hairs and have a noticeable tuft of brown hair at the back end.

Where will I find black carpet beetles?

Black carpet beetles can be found in several areas inside and around the home. Indoors, they may live behind walls, where they feed on rodent nesting materials, old insect nests, dead insects, or other organic debris.

They are also commonly found in kitchens and pantries, where they can feed on and contaminate dry goods. In storage areas such as basements, attics, and closets, females may lay eggs on fabrics, rugs, leather, blankets, clothing, and other items that have been stored away.

Black carpet beetles may also be found in carpets, upholstered furniture, and other fabric-covered areas. Outdoors, adult beetles are often found in gardens, where they feed on plant pollen and nectar.

Why do I have a black carpet beetle problem?

Black carpet beetles usually become a problem when your home provides them with food, shelter, and places to reproduce. Adult beetles often live outside, but they may be attracted to exterior lights and then enter through gaps around windows, doors, vents, or other openings.

Once inside, they search for dark, quiet areas where they can lay their eggs near a food source. This may include stored fabrics, pantry items, pet hair, lint, dead insects, or nesting materials hidden behind walls.

Black carpet beetles can also be brought into the home on infested furniture, rugs, clothing, blankets, or other fabric items. In some cases, they may enter through dry goods from the store that are already infested with eggs or larvae.

Are black carpet beetles dangerous?

Black carpet beetles are not dangerous to people, but they can be damaging pests. Their larvae can chew holes in clothing, rugs, upholstered furniture, blankets, leather, and other personal items made from animal-based materials.

They can also feed on and contaminate stored dry goods in kitchens and pantries. Because they can spread into hidden areas and damage a variety of items, black carpet beetles can be difficult to control without finding the source of the infestation.

How can I help prevent black carpet beetles?

To help prevent black carpet beetles, inspect stored clothing, rugs, blankets, and upholstered items regularly. Keep pantry products sealed in airtight containers, vacuum carpets and furniture often, and remove lint, pet hair, dead insects, and other debris that larvae may use as food.