What woolly bears look like
Carpet beetle larvae are 4 to 5 mm long, brown with golden or ginger bands and covered in tufts of hair. They often curl up when disturbed and leave behind shed skins that look like empty hairy shells. The adult varied carpet beetle is tiny, rounded, about 3 mm, and mottled grey, brown and cream.
What they eat
The larvae feed on keratin, the protein in wool, fur, feathers, silk, leather and hair. They damage carpets, rugs, clothing, upholstery, stuffed toys and feather pillows. They also feed on dead insects, lint and hair that collect under furniture and along skirting boards.
Where they come from
Adult carpet beetles live outdoors and feed on pollen, especially on white flowers. They fly into homes in spring and early summer to lay eggs. Bird nests in the eaves or loft are a common source, as the larvae feed on feathers and debris in the nest before moving into the house.
Signs
- Larvae or shed skins along skirting boards, under furniture, in airing cupboards and wardrobes
- Irregular holes in fabric, or carpet thinning along edges
- Small beetles on window sills in spring and summer
- Itchy skin rash in some people who react to the larval hairs
What to do
- Vacuum thoroughly, especially edges of carpets, under furniture, inside wardrobes and in airing cupboards
- Check the loft for old bird nests and remove them once birds have left
- Wash or freeze affected textiles
- Store wool and natural fibres in sealed bags
If larvae keep appearing across the house, professional treatment of floors and voids alongside cleaning breaks the cycle. See carpet beetle treatment.
Questions and answers
Do carpet beetles bite?
No, but some people develop an itchy rash from contact with larval hairs.
Are carpet beetles worse than clothes moths?
They cause similar damage. Carpet beetles are now one of the most common textile pests in UK homes.
Where do woolly bears hide?
Under furniture, along skirting boards, in airing cupboards, under floorboards and in lofts with old bird nests.
Related pages
This page is general information, last reviewed on 19 October 2026. It is not a substitute for an on-site inspection.