Varied Carpet Beetle

The larvae, commonly known as "woolly bears," of these small, oval beetles have surpassed clothes moths as the primary British textile pest. The Varied Carpet Beetle measures 2 to 4mm in length, resembling a diminutive, mottled brown, grey, and cream ladybird. Its counterpart, the Fur Beetle, is black with a solitary spot on each wing case, while the Black Carpet Beetle is a rarer variant.

These larvae, approximately 4mm in length, are adorned with brown hairs and have a tendency to curl up when disturbed. As they mature, they undergo molting, with the shed skins often serving as the initial indication of infestation. Adult Carpet Beetles are frequently sighted in April, May, and June as they seek out sites for egg laying. The larvae are most active in October before entering hibernation.

While adult Carpet Beetles solely feed on the pollen and nectar of garden flowers, they deposit their eggs in old birds' nests, felt, fabric, or accumulated debris within buildings. 

It is the larvae hatched from these eggs that cause damage, consuming feathers, fur, hair, or wool. They often migrate along pipes from roofs into airing cupboards, where clothes and blankets provide ample sustenance.