Pantry & Fabric Pests
Carpet Beetle
Small, round beetles whose larvae feed on wool, fur, feathers and other natural fibres — damaging carpets, clothing and stored items.
Quick facts
- Size
- 2–4 mm (adult)
- Colour
- Black, or mottled black, white and yellow
- Active season
- Year-round indoors; adults seen spring and summer
- Where found
- Closets, carpets, under furniture, stored clothing
How to Identify
- Small, round to oval beetle
- Black, or mottled with black, white and yellow scales
- Larvae are fuzzy, brown and caterpillar-like
Signs to Look For
- Irregular holes in wool, carpets and clothing
- Fuzzy larvae and shed skins in closets or under furniture
- Small beetles on window sills
Why It Matters
- Damage clothing, rugs, upholstery and collections
- Larval hairs can irritate skin
- Damage often goes unnoticed until it is widespread
Prevention Tips
- Vacuum carpets, closets and under furniture regularly
- Store wool and seasonal clothing clean and in sealed containers
- Remove dead insects and lint from vents and sills
More Pantry & Fabric Pests
Related Pests
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Clothes Moth
Small, golden-beige moths whose larvae eat wool, silk, fur and other animal fibres in closets and storage.
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Indian Meal Moth
The most common pantry moth in Canadian homes.
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Stored Product Pests
A group of small beetles and weevils — such as flour beetles, grain beetles and drugstore beetles — that infest flour, grains, spices and other dry goods.
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