Black Carpet Beetle
Attagenus unicolor
Quick ID Markers
Habits & Biology
Larvae are the damaging stage — they feed on wool, silk, fur, feathers, leather, dried foods, and dead insects. Adults feed on pollen outdoors and do not damage fabric. Larvae are long-lived (up to 3 years) in cool, undisturbed areas.
Typical Hiding Areas
Under carpet edges, inside heating ducts, in undisturbed closets, in accumulated lint, inside taxidermy, bird nests in attics, and in stored woolens.
Signs of Activity
🗓️ Seasonality
Year-round indoors. Adults emerge in spring and are often seen at windows trying to get outside to feed on flowers.
⚠️ Mistaken Identity
🧪 Treatment Plan
Carpet beetle control requires deep vacuuming, removing infested materials, and residual spray/dust treatment of affected areas. Focus on larvae — adults are already leaving.
Vacuum the entire floor including all carpet edges, under furniture, baseboards, and heating vents. This removes larvae, eggs, and shed skins.
Prevention After Treatment
- •Vacuum weekly, especially carpet edges and under furniture
- •Store wool and natural fiber items in sealed bins
- •Screen attic vents to prevent birds from nesting
- •Inspect incoming cut flowers — adults hitchhike on flowers