carpet beetle

noun

1. any of several small beetles of the family Dermestidae, the larvae of which are household pests, feeding on rugs and other woolen fabrics, especially Anthrenus scrophulariae buffalo carpet beetle and Attagenus piceus black carpet beetle.

carpet beetle

noun

1. any of various beetles of the genus Anthrenus, the larvae of which feed on carpets, furnishing fabrics, etc: family Dermestidae

Word History and Origins

Origin of carpet beetle¹

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

The carpet beetle is a recognized foe of the housekeeper, the larv feeding upon all sorts of woolen material.

From Project Gutenberg

And there's the carpet-beetle, whose babies eat carpets unless your mother tempts them with pieces of red flannel.

From Project Gutenberg

In experimenting on beetles, an insect was secured as nearly the size of the carpet beetle as could be found.

From Project Gutenberg

Watch edges of carpets and rugs for the carpet beetle and the "Buffalo bug."

From Project Gutenberg