What Do Carpet Beetles Eat?
What Do Carpet Beetles Eat?
Carpet beetles have an incredibly varied diet. Almost any household item containing protein or cellulose can become food. This is the main reason they're such a headache.
Animal-Based Protein (Their Favorite)
- Wool clothing, wool sweaters, cashmere coats
- Furs, fur products, leather (especially the fuzzy side)
- Down comforters, down jackets, feather pillows
- Silk comforters, silk clothing
- Dried meat, meat floss, dried fish, jerky
- Animal specimens (this is why museums fear carpet beetles)
- Pet hair and dander
- Dead insects and other arthropod bodies
Dry Goods and Food
- Dog food, cat food (especially high-protein formulas)
- Powdered milk, cheese powder
- Spices and seasonings
- Dried fruits and nuts
- Grains and flour (though less than dedicated stored-product pests)
- Traditional Chinese medicine (animal-based types like seahorse, deer antler, etc.)
Other Items
- Bookbinding glue and paper (especially old books)
- Protein-containing wallpaper and wallpaper paste
- Some synthetic fibers (they don't love them but will gnaw when hungry)
- Synthetic-natural fiber blends (pure synthetics are safe, but blends can be chewed)
Carpet Beetle Larvae Are Remarkably Resilient
Carpet beetle larvae can survive for weeks or even months without food. This is why they can show up in seemingly clean homes. They hide in crevices and sustain themselves on tiny amounts of dust and dander.
How to Deal With Their Broad Diet?
Because they eat almost anything, every vulnerable item in your home should be stored sealed. Put food and clothes in airtight containers or sealed bags. Cut off their food supply, and they simply can't reproduce.