Types

The three kinds of carpet beetle species are the furniture carpet beetle, the varied carpet beetle and the black carpet beetle.

Identification

The black carpet beetle is the largest of the three types, about 3/16 of an inch in length as an adult and shiny black. The varied carpet beetle and the furniture carpet beetle are about 1/10 an inch long and have more of a variation in colors.

Life Cycle

The adult carpet beetle lays its eggs on a potential food source such as a wool fabric. The eggs hatch in between six and 20 days, depending on the species. The larvae will feed and then gradually begin the change into their adult forms, which seldom live more than eight weeks..

Adult Food

Ironically, the adult carpet beetles do not feed on the same things as the larval forms do, preferring to eat the pollen and nectar of flowers.

Damage

The larvae will stay in hiding in dark places, causing damage over a wide area on a carpet of piece of clothing. The larvae molt and discard their brown shell-like skin all over any item upon which they feed.

Prevention/Solution

Thoroughly cleaning garments and rugs can keep carpet beetles in check. Traps that attract these beetles can allow monitoring of their presence in warehouse settings, and utilizing various products containing some sort of insecticide can prevent carpet beetle infestations in stored goods.

Source:

University of California.edu: Carpet Beetles