What is primarily responsible for clothing damage caused by carpet beetles?

The primary cause of clothing damage related to carpet beetles is indeed the larvae. Carpet beetle larvae are known to feed on a variety of organic materials, including fabrics made from wool, silk, and other animal fibers. They have mouthparts that are adapted for chewing, allowing them to easily consume these materials. The damage is often seen in the form of holes or fraying in clothing and fabrics, which the larvae actively consume as they grow.

While adult beetles do play a role in the life cycle of carpet beetles, they do not feed on clothing or fabrics; instead, they primarily seek out places to lay eggs. The eggs themselves are not responsible for any damage, as they are merely the precursor to the larval stage, which is where the actual feeding and damage occur. Feces may be present as a byproduct of the larvae's feeding but do not contribute to fabric damage.

Understanding the role of each life stage helps in implementing effective pest control measures, focusing on larval stages to mitigate the damage they cause.