The varied carpet beetle (Anthrenus verbasci) is a 3 mm-long beetle belonging to the family Dermestidae. They are a common species, often considered a pest of domestic houses and, particularly, natural history museums, where the larvae may damage natural fibers and can damage carpets, furniture, clothing, and insect collections. A. verbasci was also the first insect to be shown to have an annual behavioral rhythm and to date remains a classic example of circannual cycles in animals. The larval form of A. verbasci, commonly known as ‘woolly bears’ measures up to 4–5 millimeters (0.16–0.20 in) in length. The larvae are elongated and densely covered in large hairs.

Tineola bisselliella, also known as a clothes moth, is a small moth less than half an inch in body length. The head is sometimes tinged brown, forewings pale yellow and hindwings often appear grey in color. It is distinguished from similar species by its yellow-brown or coloring and red-orange tuft of hair on the head. Unlike some other types of moths, clothes moths are seldom seen because they avoid light. They prefer dark, undisturbed areas such as closets, basements, and attics. Articles commonly damaged and destroyed by clothes moths include sweaters, scarves, coats, blankets, rugs, down pillows and comforters, upholstery,