Two types of insects are responsible for damage to wool clothing, wall hangings, feathers, silk garments, felt, furs, wool rugs, and carpeting. In Wisconsin, there are two species of clothes moths and several species of carpet beetles that attack natural fibers. Most damage is done during storage because these insects are most active in dark, undisturbed areas.
Every home has some carpet beetles, and they commonly breed outdoors in Wisconsin.
They will feed on wool, silk, furs, and any clothing soiled with blood, urine, beer, or food stains. An average life cycle takes one year but can vary from 4 - 36 months. This adaptation allows carpet beetles to live for months without food. Adults are not damaging and feed on flower pollen. Females lay fragile eggs singly near food sources that hatch within 2 - 3 weeks.