Natural materials are infested more commonly than manufactured goods. Carpet beetles may be found in synthetic fibers like nylon when it is contaminated with spilled food. Actually, synthetic materials may be more heavily damaged because the insect will move more frequently seeking enough nutrients to complete its development. In Delaware there are four different species of carpet beetle. The black carpet beetle is the most abundant and destructive carpet beetle.
Adults have shiny black bodies with lighter color legs, and clubbed antennae.
This destructive larva is hairy with darker head capsule and a characteristic long hair tuft extending from its tail end. They are more oval-shaped and mottled dark gray to black in coloration. Usually a brick-red stripe of color is evident down the middle of the abdomen where the wing covers join. This is only visible when seen through magnification. The head is barely evident when viewed from above, legs are shorter and antennae are clubbed.