Sometimes, it’s not a carpet beetle. There’s another tiny black-and-yellow suspect: the larder beetle. These guys are a bit larger and have a more pronounced yellow band across their middle. They’re not fans of your rug—they prefer your pantry. Specifically, dried meat, pet food, or old cheese. Gross, I know. If you find them near the kitchen, check your non-perishable food for little holes or webbing.
But if you see them on a windowsill or climbing a wall, it’s almost always carpet beetles. And don’t panic—they’re not dangerous. They won’t ruin your health, but they can ruin your favorite cashmere sweater if you leave it on the floor. (Ask me how I know.)
