Variegated carpet beetles are typically small (2-3mm long), a mottled colour of yellow and black and oval shaped. Black carpet beetles are shiny black in colour and 3-5mm long. Larvae are usually reddish-brown in colour and have stiff bristles over the body surface.
These insects become pests when they enter homes and begin feeding on products derived from animal origin including wool, fur, hair, silk, clothes, fabrics, carpets, rugs, underfelts, fibre-type insulation, animal carcases, bee and wasp nests, stored foods such as dried meats, seeds, grains and cereals.
