Do Carpet Beetles Bite? No, But They Can Cause Skin Irritation

Over 1000 people in the UK ask Google if carpet beetles bite each month. In the US, the number of searches is over 5000. Maybe you’re one of these people. If so, you’re in luck because the answer is below, so keep reading…

Do carpet beetles bite?

No, carpet beetles do not bite humans. Unlike blood-feeding pests such as mosquitoes, bed bugs, and fleas, carpet beetles lack mouthparts or feeding apparatus to pierce the skin and draw blood. Natural materials like wool, silk, cotton, fur, feathers, and dead insects are their primary food source. They are considered scavengers that feed on fibrous plant and animal material.

Why do so many people think carpet beetles bite?

Similar-ish appearance: Carpet beetles are often confused with other pests that do bite, such as bed bugs. Both tend to be found in homes, have 6 legs, and have some association with fabrics, but if you become familiar with each insect, they look very different. Below are some pictures to help you identify each correctly.

Also, if you suspect you have a bed bug problem, please check out our article on how to find bed bugs. They are masters of hiding.

Physical Irritation: While carpet beetles do not bite, their larvae have tiny bristles or hairs covering their bodies. These bristles can cause skin irritation when they come into contact with sensitive skin. Some individuals may experience skin reactions and assume that they have been bitten by the beetles, even though it is an accidental contact rather than a bite.

Misidentification: In some cases, people might misidentify the cause of skin irritation or rashes. Since carpet beetle larvae are not commonly known to cause skin reactions, individuals might attribute any unexplained skin irritation to a carpet beetle infestation they know. Some people have a general fear or discomfort around insects and may be more prone to assume that any unexplained skin irritation is due to a bug bite, even if it is not the case.

Lack of Awareness: Carpet beetles are not as well-known as other household pests, such as bed bugs or mosquitoes. As a result, people might not be familiar with their behaviour and mistakenly assume they can bite. Once a person hears or reads about carpet beetles potentially irritating, they might be more likely to attribute any skin reaction to the presence of these insects, even if it is unrelated.

What do carpet beetles eat?

• Natural Fibres: Carpet beetles in the larvae stage have a strong affinity for natural fibres such as wool, silk, cotton, and linen. Carpets, rugs, clothing, and upholstery made from these materials are attractive food sources for carpet beetles.
• Fur and Feathers: The protein-rich content of fur and feathers makes them highly appealing to carpet beetle larvae. They are known to feed on fur coats, feather-filled pillows, and other animal-based materials.
• Dead Insects: Carpet beetles are scavengers, and they feed on dead insects, especially those that accumulate in hidden corners or windowsills.
• Pet Hair: The hair and fur shed by pets in the home can also be a food source for carpet beetles.
• Dried Plant Material: Carpet beetles are opportunistic feeders, and they can consume dried plant materials like dried flowers and potpourri.
• Animal-Based Decorative Items: Taxidermy, animal mounts, and other animal-based decorative items can attract carpet beetles due to the presence of fur or feathers.

It’s important to note that adult carpet beetles primarily feed on pollen and nectar from flowers outdoors. The larval stage of carpet beetles feed on everything listed above.