There are several different species of carpet beetle, including the two-spot, the furniture carpet beetle and the varied carpet beetle. Adult beetles live mainly outdoors but the females will fly indoors to lay their eggs on food materials. These eggs hatch into the larval stage, which is commonly known as the "woolly bear". During the long larval stage, Holes in clothing and damage to furnishings made from natural fibres may be noticed. After the female has laid her eggs she may be noticed in window openings attracted by the natural light, attempting to return outside. The larva is difficult to detect as it buries itself deep into its feeding material, often not being noticed until considerable damage has been caused.

Other species found in England include the Ground Beetle, Larder Beetle or Bacon Beetle, Australian Spider Beetle, Biscuit or drugstore beetle, Saw-Toothed Grain Beetle and Confused Flower Beetle.

The pest control of carpet beetles can be treated and removed using a course of residual insecticide treatments.