Varied carpet beetle, Anthrenus verbasci
Most homes in the UK have these beetles at a background level. The larvae feed on dead organic material including our own discarded hair and clothing fibres that find their way beneath the floor boards. They will also feed on piles of woollen jumpers or carpets so can be unwelcome pests in our homes. However, unless you see the adults (3mm long, mottled white and yellowy-brown) in their 10s or 20s there is not usually a serious problem. They also fly very capably, and through spring the adults will be emerging and can be particularly noticed on window sills. Females require a pollen meal to mature their eggs so are attracted towards the light where they hope to escape the window in search of flowers.
