Extension > Garden > Diagnose a problem > What insect is this? > Insects found indoors > Beetles, bugs, ants, and other insects without obvious wings - Larger than 1/4 up to 1/2 inch long > Black carpet beetle

Black carpet beetle

Jeff Hahn, University of Minnesota Extension

Description: 3/16 inch long or less. (It is often challenging to recognize small sized beetles from a picture. Because different insects may be treated differently, be sure the insect is correctly identified before attempting control.)

Where/When: Found indoors throughout most of the year, especially spring and summer. May also be seen during spring and summer outdoors on flowers.

Significance: Adults feed on pollen and are not by themselves pests in homes. However, their larvae can be destructive to fibers of animal origin, including wool, fur, and feathers. Finding a single or small number of carpet beetles does not automatically indicate a problem.

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