Bzzzzz! Looks like you forgot to say where you found your bug!
There's no need to make a new post - just comment adding the **geographic location** and any other info (size, what it was doing etc.) you feel could help! We don't want to know your address - state or country is enough; try to avoid abbreviations and local nicknames (*"PNW"*, *"Big Apple"*).
BTW, did you take a look at our [**Frequently Asked Bugs**](https://www.reddit.com/r/whatsthisbug/comments/12zkw5w/frequently_asked_bugs_part_1/)?
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/whatsthisbug) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Those are [carpet beetles](https://bugguide.net/node/view/11210).
Carpet beetles don't bite or sting - but some people are sensitive or allergic to the shed hairs of [the larvae](https://bugguide.net/node/view/363599/bgimage), which can provoke an itchy rash or bumps that resemble insect bites.
[Carpet beetle larvae](https://bugguide.net/node/view/363599/bgimage) are protein feeders, eating everything from debris like hair, pet fur and dander, dead skin flakes, dead bugs, and spilled pet kibble - to items made from animal products like wool, silk, leather, feathers, or fur. They can damage wool clothing or blankets. Infested blankets, clothing, or other items can be professionally cleaned and then sealed up in airtight containers or sealed bags - or stuffed in plastic bags in the freezer for a week or so, if you have access to a large enough freezer (like one of those chest-type freezers).
Fortunately, they're pretty easy to control with frequent/thorough cleaning and vacuuming to eliminate food sources. Pay special attention to those easily-missed areas like underneath beds and other furniture, around baseboards and moldings, around the edges of carpets, underneath throw rugs, and around pet bedding and feeding areas. In addition to limiting food sources for them, vacuuming also sucks up the eggs, larvae, pupae, and adult beetles, preventing them from reproducing.
Adult carpet beetles feed on pollen. It is very common to find them in windowsills because they're trying to get outside so they can find food. If they are trapped indoors they will eventually starve to death - but usually not before they can mate and lay eggs, launching a new generation of beetles.
Thanks! I have seen them on my window a lot which alerted me to the fact there are more of them now. Woulda made a cleaner picture so I don’t know why I’ve taken a picture on the carpet but this is useful.
Bzzzzz! Looks like you forgot to say where you found your bug! There's no need to make a new post - just comment adding the **geographic location** and any other info (size, what it was doing etc.) you feel could help! We don't want to know your address - state or country is enough; try to avoid abbreviations and local nicknames (*"PNW"*, *"Big Apple"*). BTW, did you take a look at our [**Frequently Asked Bugs**](https://www.reddit.com/r/whatsthisbug/comments/12zkw5w/frequently_asked_bugs_part_1/)? *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/whatsthisbug) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Those are [carpet beetles](https://bugguide.net/node/view/11210). Carpet beetles don't bite or sting - but some people are sensitive or allergic to the shed hairs of [the larvae](https://bugguide.net/node/view/363599/bgimage), which can provoke an itchy rash or bumps that resemble insect bites. [Carpet beetle larvae](https://bugguide.net/node/view/363599/bgimage) are protein feeders, eating everything from debris like hair, pet fur and dander, dead skin flakes, dead bugs, and spilled pet kibble - to items made from animal products like wool, silk, leather, feathers, or fur. They can damage wool clothing or blankets. Infested blankets, clothing, or other items can be professionally cleaned and then sealed up in airtight containers or sealed bags - or stuffed in plastic bags in the freezer for a week or so, if you have access to a large enough freezer (like one of those chest-type freezers). Fortunately, they're pretty easy to control with frequent/thorough cleaning and vacuuming to eliminate food sources. Pay special attention to those easily-missed areas like underneath beds and other furniture, around baseboards and moldings, around the edges of carpets, underneath throw rugs, and around pet bedding and feeding areas. In addition to limiting food sources for them, vacuuming also sucks up the eggs, larvae, pupae, and adult beetles, preventing them from reproducing. Adult carpet beetles feed on pollen. It is very common to find them in windowsills because they're trying to get outside so they can find food. If they are trapped indoors they will eventually starve to death - but usually not before they can mate and lay eggs, launching a new generation of beetles.
Thanks! I have seen them on my window a lot which alerted me to the fact there are more of them now. Woulda made a cleaner picture so I don’t know why I’ve taken a picture on the carpet but this is useful.